For two months, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that the New York Jets and Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese were locked into a future partnership together with the second overall pick. <\/p>\n
Reese, long-considered the best non-quarterback in the 2026 draft by many, appeared to be the kind of defensive weapon that the Jets have desperately needed.<\/p>\n
Then things changed, as they always do at this time of year.<\/p>\n
What was once an obvious pick quickly became anything but, with Texas Tech\u2019s David Bailey being considered a lock by some across the NFL.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis pick has come full circle. My early intel was Bailey to the Jets at no. 2 because he\u2019s the most proven pass rusher in the class,\u201d Todd McShay said in early April. \u201c\u2026It\u2019s close to a foregone conclusion in NFL circles.\u201d <\/p>\n
Now, things have shifted again according to those same people. And it begs the question:<\/p>\n
Did the Jets\u2019 mindset shift, or did major reporters simply overthink things?<\/p>\n
Jets draft plans \u2018shift\u2019<\/p>\n
New York\u2019s draft plans have never \u201cshifted,\u201d as some believe. Over the course of the pre-draft cycle, every organization goes through various scenarios to better prepare for the upcoming weekend.<\/p>\n
When news broke that the Jets were focused on Bailey over the last several weeks, it made more sense to believe New York was using that to try to spur a potential trade partner, more than the intended belief in the Texas Tech product. <\/p>\n
Case in point? Todd McShay. <\/p>\n
The ESPN draft analyst was quick to tell everyone that Bailey to New York was a done deal\u2026until the last few days. <\/p>\n