New York Jets GM Darren Mougey set the record straight when he said that the team's recent decision to cancel a pre-draft visit with a top edge rusher isn’t an indication of waning interest in the Texas Tech star.

In accordance with the NFL rules, teams are allowed to invite up to 30 non-local, draft-eligible players to their facilities.

However, when Mougey confirmed reports that the Jets had canceled their visit with David Bailey, speculations started doing the rounds. Naturally, Mougey had to quell them.

"In regards to David, we had good touch points with him at the combine, we went to his pro day, and had a good dinner with him," Mougey said.

"We were just kind of juggling our 30 and how to use them, and I wouldn’t look too much into a cancellation because there were other ones we may have changed, as well," Mougey added on the matter.

Bailey is naturally considered a top-five draft talent thanks to his production, athleticism, and consistency. He racked up 75 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks across 14 games in his final season.

The Jets have been allotted the second overall pick in the NFL Draft, which will commence on Thursday night. The New York Jets are projected to pick between David Bailey and Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese.

Decision between Reese And Bailey

David Bailey is more than probable to be drafted the Jets this season, but what if things do take a wild turn?

Well, that can be a possibility with Arvell Reese also drawing in views courtesy of his football IQ, physicality, and experience in a pro‑style system at Ohio State.

Reese has emerged as a top-10 draft pick, as he recorded 69 combined tackles, 10.0 TFLs and 6.5 sacks in his final season. He received Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and consensus All-American honors.

Arvell's ability to create chaos makes him a great probable addition to the roster as the Jets' defense is looking forward to bolster their defense. But then there's Bailey, too, who cannot at any point be overlooked.

Widely regarded as the best pure pass rusher in the 2026 class, Bailey’s burst, bend, and closing speed have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s elite edge defenders. Although his one drawback remains in his inability to impose himself against the oncoming run.

However, that doesn't negate the fact that David Bailey is unmatched when it comes to pressuring quarterbacks. No wonder the Jets are torn at the moment, as who they should finally select in the NFL draft will surely end that curiosity.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Rishab Nandi