The countdown to the 2026 NFL draft is under four hours, which means the New York Jets are on the clock, for all intents and purposes.
With Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza long penciled in as the Las Vegas Raiders’ selection with the first overall pick, the draft really starts with the Jets at No. 2. And as the draft draws near, there still seems to be no indication as to who New York is planning to select with the choice.
Still, sportsbooks have given fans some breadcrumbs to chew on before the draft. With just a few hours to go, Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey is now the betting favorite to be chosen second by the Jets (-205), per ESPN Bet, with Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese trailing behind (+145).
The Jets infamously canceled Bailey’s top 30 visit at the team facility last week. New York general manager Darren Mougey downplayed the decision, saying that he “wouldn’t look too much into a cancellation.”
On Wednesday, Bailey commented on the canceled visit. He maintained a positive outlook when speaking about the Jets.
“[My interactions with the Jets have] been good, man. … They canceled my 30 visit, so I wasn’t able to get around the facility, and kind of have like an in-depth conversation with all the staff and everything, but I had a great interaction with them at the combine, and then obviously FaceTime calls we’ve been having.”
Bailey also expressed confidence in his fit in the Jets’ defensive scheme.
“I think I’d fit in great. I think it’d be a great scheme for me. I’d be open to learning whatever position they need me to play. I think I bring a versatile skill set, so I’m just open to anything.”
As the Jets’ plans remain in limbo, fans are searching for any inkling of intel they can get their hands on to understand which direction New York may be leaning. In fact, a satirical social media post, featuring Bailey omitting the Jets’ logo from an Instagram post, went viral on X/Twitter.
Of course, the post is fake, posted by a Twitter account that focuses on satire. But the viral nature of the tweet shows how hungry Jets fans are to see who their team is going to select with the much-anticipated No. 2 pick.
Soon, we will get the Jets’ official opinion.
