If you thought the New York Jets’ second overall pick was already set in stone, think again.
Well, that’s what the media talking heads want you to believe, at least.
Speaking to ESPN NFL reporter Peter Schrager, NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah shared intel from within league circles regarding the Jets’ expected selection at No. 2 overall in the draft, adding that Schrager has heard the same rumblings.
“We were talking, full disclosure, before we launched here today. We’re kind of hearing the same thing, that as we’re coming down the home stretch here, [the Jets’ No. 2 pick] feels more like [David] Bailey, bird-in-the-hand pick, versus the upside pick with [Arvell] Reese.”
Ohio State edge defender Arvell Reese has emerged as the consensus favorite to be selected second overall by New York. As a collegiate off-ball linebacker with the tools to convert to a full-time edge defender, Reese’s versatility seems like a tailor-made fit for the defense of head coach Aaron Glenn, which Glenn recently described as “multiple.”
Bailey, meanwhile, has already accumulated dominant production as a full-time edge defender, which conceivably puts him ahead of Reese on the development curve at that particular position.
However, Reese has the upside to be just as good a pass rusher as Bailey, if not better, at some point down the line. After all, Reese is only 20 years old. On top of that, Reese offers the run defense and all-around fundamentals that Bailey does not.
Conventional wisdom says that Reese remains the favorite to be chosen by New York with the second overall draft choice. But between Bailey and Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, prominent media figures seem convinced the selection is far from decided.
