Sparse pre-draft interaction between David Bailey and Jets raises questions

The New York Jets made Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey the No. 2 overall pick Thursday night, ending months of speculation about who the Jets would take at the top of their draft.

Between Bailey and Ohio State's Arvell Reese, the Jets' pick was mostly unclear, particularly over the last few weeks. At a flag football event on Tuesday, Reese spoke openly about meeting with New York and revealed Aaron Glenn told him exactly how he would use him if they made him the No. 2 overall pick.

Bailey, on the other hand, at the same event, couldn't remember Darren Mougey's name, and chafed when asked about the Jets cancelling his Top 30 pre-draft visit.

Mougey and Glenn were clearly trying their best to keep the pick under wraps, even from the player they ended up selecting. Regardless, Bailey wasn't surprised, despite the limited interactions before the draft.

David Bailey said he's had 'limited interaction' with Jets, Aaron Glenn

Speaking with reporters after becoming the second overall pick, Bailey was honest about his pre-draft process with the Jets. Despite not having much conversation with Glenn, he's happy to be in New York.

"Yeah, I mean, limited interaction. Probably met with him once or twice, but I'm excited to get under his defensive scheme and just work hard and play as hard as I can."

David Bailey

It is somewhat concerning that the Jets didn't meet extensively with the player they planned on taking with the second pick in the draft, but they clearly felt comfortable after meeting with him at the NFL Scouting Combine and his Pro Day at Texas Tech.

"I saw all the mock drafts, but I never know how reliable those are. No, I had a great interaction with them at the combine. Obviously, they canceled the 30 visit, but other than that, I had great FaceTimes with Mougey and everybody."

David Bailey

At least this time around he remembered Mougey's name.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a Jets fan who isn't happy about Bailey as a prospect. He's the best pass rusher in this class and will surely make a strong impact right away.

The concerning aspect is New York's pre-draft process. How did all of the big insiders know which direction the Jets were leaning early on? Why didn't they have more extensive conversations with Bailey, knowing he was going to be the pick?

If things work out in New York, no one is going to bat an eye. But if Bailey doesn't turn out to be the player he's billed to be, there will be some major questions for the Jets' decision makers to answer.

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