The 2026 NFL draft is less than two weeks away, and the annual flood of pre-draft “intel” is here.
It’s the same cycle every year — the New York Jets are “enamored” with one player, another is “rapidly rising,” and most of the time, everyone forgets about those headlines come draft day.
For months, Ohio State edge defender Arvell Reese felt like the clear favorite at No. 2 overall. Lately, though, reports indicate Texas Tech edge David Bailey has forced his way into the conversation, and the betting lines have since shifted.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, ownership pressure is a real factor looming over the Jets’ decision-making. (Remember, however, this is just a report, and nothing has been confirmed.)
Breer detailed how owner Woody Johnson had a “heavy hand ” in reshaping Aaron Glenn’s coaching staff this offseason. He also added that ownership has already flashed “impatience,” which could play a role in the team’s draft pick at No. 2.
The trouble from here is twofold,” wrote Breer. “One, ownership has already flashed impatience. And at some point, the coaches must have some proof of concept in what they’re trying to build.
“That, to me, is where the decision on the second pick comes in. Having dealt away Williams and Jermaine Johnson, and emptied out the deep crew of pass rushers Robert Saleh had assembled, the Jets were among the worst teams in football last year at getting after the quarterback.
“For that reason, it makes sense that Bailey and Ohio State’s Arvell Reese would be two guys discussed for the No. 2 pick. All of the above is why Bailey makes more sense for the Jets than Reese.”
Rumors of Woody Johnson meddling in football decisions have been prevalent for years, peaking in the final years of the Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas era.
When the Jets hired Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn last offseason, it was made clear that the football decisions would be solely in the hands of Glenn and Mougey, with no interference from ownership.
However, according to Breer, that has changed after an atrocious 3-14 debut season.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Glenn pushed back on the rumors that Johnson has any role in coaching decisions. Despite that, Wink Martindale, who was a finalist for the team’s defensive coordinator job this offseason, said the decision he didn’t get hired was “out of Glenn’s hands,” alluding to potential interference from ownership.
Ideally, the average Jets fan wants the football people to make the football-related moves. That responsibility belongs to Glenn, Mougey, and the football minds in the building, not ownership.
