Ah, nothing like the shifting narratives in the weeks leading up to the NFL draft.
Not long ago, Ohio State’s Arvell Reese seemed like the clear choice for the New York Jets at No. 2. Now, the momentum has swung toward Texas Tech’s David Bailey.
Prominent draft analyst Todd McShay recently said Bailey going to the Jets at No. 2 is viewed as a near “foregone conclusion” in some league circles, while SI’s Albert Breer described the situation as a “fait accompli.“
But the latest development potentially throws a wrench into that idea.
According to SNY’s Connor Hughes, the Jets were scheduled to host Bailey for a top-30 visit… but the team decided to cancel it.
Keep in mind, the Jets already brought Reese in for a visit.
As for Bailey, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what this means, as there are multiple ways to read it.
One possibility is quite simple: The Jets may already feel they have all the information they need on Bailey and don’t see value in using one of their limited visits on him. Teams only get 30 of those, and they’re typically reserved for prospects they need more time with.
Another possibility is less straightforward: the Jets’ draft plans could have changed. Perhaps the media was correct, and they started to lean towards Bailey, but maybe those plans are changing course now. Things change quickly this time of year.
Ultimately, there’s no definitive answer here. This time of year, every little move each organization makes (especially the Jets) is heavily analyzed under a microscope.
A year ago, a similar wave of “intel” was shared in the media regarding Gang Green’s draft plans. Reports consistently listed Penn State tight end Tyler Warren as a lock to go to New York. That wasn’t the case as New York ultimately selected Armand Membou.
At the very least, though, this is something that fans should keep in mind as draft day approaches.
