New Jets Rumors from Todd McShay, Albert Breer on Plan for No. 2 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft

The New York Jets are reportedly believed to be leaning toward taking Texas Tech pass-rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

During a discussion on the McShay Show (beginning at the 17:28 mark), The Ringer NFL draft expert Todd McShay said he was told "a couple of months ago" that Bailey was the Jets' preferred choice, but then the narrative started to shift toward Ohio State EDGE Arvell Reese.

However, McShay added that Bailey is viewed as the likely choice for the Jets once again, noting that it's "not really a secret."

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer agreed with McShay's assessment, saying that he spoke to a couple of teams that talked as though Bailey to the Jets was a "fait accompli," meaning the pick is viewed as an inevitability.

After spending his first three collegiate seasons at Stanford, Bailey became a dominant force upon transferring to Texas Tech in 2025.

Bailey registered 52 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three passes defended en route to being named a unanimous All-American and the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year.

David Bailey highlights

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As impressive as the production was, Bailey helped his cause even more at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine by running the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds at 6'4" and 251 pounds.

Bailey is an athletic marvel off the edge, and he is precisely the type of pass-rusher the Jets could use after ranking 31st in the NFL last season with 26 sacks.

McShay noted that Reese could prove to be a better player than Bailey over the long haul, but it could take him a year or two to get acclimated to being a pure pass-rusher after primarily being an off-ball linebacker at OSU.

The Jets are coming off a 3-14 season and haven't made the playoffs since 2010, so immediate improvement is needed, and Bailey may be the player best equipped to provide that.