The Stanford intel that drove Jets to take David Bailey over Arvell Reese

New York Jets fans hoping for Arvell Reese received disappointment Thursday on NFL Draft night. David Bailey of Texas Tech rose as a possibility for No. 2. Sure enough, Bailey is the selection over the Ohio State star.

But Bailey’s Red Raiders film never became the deciding factor for this selection.

Turns out Stanford intel persuaded this selection over the mammoth talent Reese, per ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.

“Jets have three coaches that were on Stanford’s staff during David Bailey’s time there: Assistant quarterback coach Thomas Merkle, Assistant offensive line coach Al Netter and offensive assistant Matthew Sargent. They added intel the Jets valued and helped with the pick,” Schefter posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.

Bailey immediately received a team graphic once the selection got complete.

WELCOME TO NEW YORK DAVID BAILEY

: https://t.co/yor2RWWphz pic.twitter.com/1uHPfsJklB

— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 24, 2026

The newest Jets pass rusher even posed with members of Gang Green.

David Bailey Jets Nation pic.twitter.com/xslBQZUw4r

— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 24, 2026

Skepticism rose after the selection, though. Including from one analyst who compared him to notable Jets bust Will McDonald IV.

“I’m…not as excited about this fit. Bailey is a very fast player who can get upfield in a hurry, but has run game plus stiffness limitations,” wrote JP Acosta of CBS Sports.

But Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network likes the pickup. Reminding that the general manager lured elite pass rushers before.

“Jets now have a pair of fast EDGE rushers in David Bailey and Will McDonald IV to hunt QBs. Jets GM Darren Mougey was part of [Denver] Broncos front office that built pass rush with Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper. Now gets a duo to build a defense around for NYJ,” Wolfe posted.

Bailey hits Texas Tech history too: He’s the Red Raiders’ highest draft selection ever, shattering the previous mark held by Tyree Wilson in 2023 at No. 7 overall.

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