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The new hot narrative in the draft universe is that the Jets are learning toward picking Texas Tech edge-rusher David Bailey because he can be a more immediate impact player, and Aaron Glenn needs to win this year.
First you had SI’s Albert Breer, who is plugged in at 1 Jets Drive, write, “Ownership has already flashed impatience. And at some point, the coaches must have some proof of concept in what they’re trying to build. That, to me, is where the decision on the second pick comes in. Bailey is the guy who’ll help now . . . that explains why so many NFL folks see this one coming down the tracks and why it would make so much sense for the Jets.”
In other words, he is more prepared to help them right out of the gate than Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese is.
“Bailey is the surest thing, but Arvell is going to be a star. Arvell needs some time, and the Jets need somebody now,” an unnamed NFL defensive coordinator supposedly told CBS Sports.
Just like any of these NFL insiders quoting unnamed people, how can I assure you of the quote’s veracity when they aren’t telling us who they are talking to?
There was a draft story projecting the top 10 of the NFL draft, and the insider claimed to have different scouts make each pick.
That is pretty amazing to get 10 different scouts to do this.
Some of this stuff is legit, some isn’t. Some people are making this stuff up, knowing there’s nobody who is going to check them on it. How could we?
So I don’t know if that DC exists or not, but let’s get back to the point of the story, that a narrative exploding in the echo chamber is that the Jets are going to pick Bailey because he can help them faster, and the staff needs to win this year.
First of all, I have no idea if the “staff needs to win this year.” That would have to be the opinion of Woody, Ira, and Hymie, and I don’t have any idea if that is their view of things.
But like I’ve said before, you should not run a war room picking players that way, where you measure who can help you win this year, as opposed to picking a player who will be better over the long haul.
Now, it should be pointed out that while these insiders say they are leaning toward Bailey because he can help Glenn win more than this year as an established edge-rusher compared to Reese, it’s possible the owner feels this way also.
Let’s not forget, the Jets have missed the playoffs 15 years in a row, the current longest streak in the NFL.
Johnson is 79 years old.
Isn’t it possible that he might want to go with a pick who can help him win this year?
Don’t you think he’s tired of missing the playoffs, and is frustrated with this 15-year streak, especially now since the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres just made the playoffs (they were tired with the Jets for the current longest playoff drought in pro sports).
So while the theory is that Glenn is leaning toward Bailey because he’s more pro-ready, maybe the owner feels the same way.
But, with all this being said, it’s possible that Bailey will have a higher grade than Reese on the Jets board, and they are just sticking to the value board if they pick him.
However, the bottom line, it’s always best to stick to your value board; that is why you spent millions of dollars on scouts (salaries, travel) to grade players.
Stick to the board.
April 17, 2026
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