Aaron Glenn explains Jets’ decision to take David Bailey over Arvell Reese in NFL Draft

Posted by Admin August 25, 2026 NFL

It became obvious the Jets would take a pass rusher heading into this year’s NFL Draft.

The big debate that remained was which one.

David Bailey and Arvell Reese were the consensus top options in the class, and there was wide-spread speculation around each of them potentially being the pick.

Gang Green, of course, ended up going with Bailey at second overall then Reese went a few selections later to the in-state rival Giants as the fifth pick.

The decision certainly seems to be paying off for both sides thus far, as each rookie has looked the part throughout training camp and preseason action.

With them set to go head-to-head in Friday’s tune-up, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn was asked following Monday’s practice what went into making the decision.

“We have our process,” he explained. “Those are two really good players and they are going to be really good players in this league — we want to make sure we made the best decision for us, and we felt Bailey was the best decision.

“Arvell is a special, special player and he is going to do special things in this league, but we like the direction that we went and we think that Bailey is going to be a good player for us.”

With both youngsters set to play, Jets and Giants fans certainly could be in for a show on Friday night.