Ohio State edge Arvell Reese tops the list. At least that’s how one of the most respected NFL draft analysts in all the land sees it.
The Athletic’s Dan Brugler released his annual draft rankings on Wednesday, and it did not disappoint for the New York Jets fans who are keen on experiencing Reese in Gotham Green.
Brugler’s top 10
- Arvell Reese (ED-Ohio State)
- Jeremiyah Love (RB-Notre Dame)
- Fernando Mendoza (QB-Indiana)
- Sonny Styles (LB-Ohio State)
- Caleb Downs (S-Ohio State)
- Mansoor Delane (CB-LSU)
- David Bailey (ED-Texas Tech)
- Spencer Fano (OT-Utah)
- Rueben Bain Jr. (ED-Miami)
- Carnell Tate (WR-Ohio State)
“A versatile defender who has the physical traits to become a dominant pass rusher,” is what Brugler wrote as Reese’s snippet — and that’s just where it begins.
Those familiar with Jets X-Factor already know our thinking: The New York Jets’ decision at No. 2 really isn’t a decision at all.
From a pure all-around defensive football perspective, there’s only one decision, and it’s not even close to an issue. Well, at least it shouldn’t be, because the alternative would equate to football malpractice of the highest degree.
Avoid the specialist
The idea that David Bailey is the “safer” choice of the two is as ill-conceived as anything in modern football history. To acknowledge that is to pretend that a specialist who’s a liability against the run is worth the No. 2 overall selection.
The No. 2 overall selection, ladies and gentlemen; that’s what we’re discussing here.
No matter how anybody watches the tape, it’s impossible to come away impressed with Bailey’s all-around play. He avoids contact, looks to purely win with hands and speed, and is routinely blown back at the point of attack.
Bailey advocates often cite his impressive pass-rush statistics and legitimate prowess. Yet, as legtimate as that is, Reese’s pass-rush percentages beat Bailey’s; he just hasn’t had the same number of opportunities.
Nevertheless, the position is edge defender, not edge rusher. There’s much more to the position than simply pinning one’s ears back to get after the quarterback. Those who understand that also realize the level of scrutiny required with a collegiate defenders accumulates stats when playing outside of the defense’s structure.
Brugler also apparently understands these ideas because he lists Bailey as the No. 7 overall prospect, behind Reese’s college teammates, Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs.
The team that drafts David Bailey will have to create non-stop action for him up front — inside slants, gap exchanges, etc. — whereas Arvell Reese can physically play things straight. That’s a beautiful thing for head coach Aaron Glenn and his more react-attack system.
