Jets' David Bailey Praises Arvell Reese amid NFL Draft Debate, Eyes 'Fun Competition' with Giants LB

The two top players off the edge in the 2026 NFL draft are heading to the Big Apple, as the New York Jets selected David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick and the Giants took Arvell Reese at No. 5.

Bailey believes sharing a city with Reese should make for a "fun competition" going forward.

"He's a great player," he told NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. "I've watched his tape, he's fantastic around the edge. He can play off-ball linebacker, so he's a complete player. And also same with me, we've each got our versatile skill sets. It's going to be fun for sure, man, I'm looking forward to seeing his success."

He added that having Reese doesn't add any extra motivation and he'll just focus on working hard and trusting his coaching staff.

Bailey was considered the No. 7 overall player on the B/R NFL Scouting Department's final big board, while Reese came in at No. 4, so opinions are divided about what the Jets should have done with the No. 2 selection.

The Jets certainly had a potentially franchise-altering evening on Thursday, selecting Bailey, tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16 and receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30. If all three players hit, the Jets could have a very nice core group on their hands for many years to come.