Bailey posted 9.67 RAS: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2026-nfl-combine-defensive-tackle-ras-scores/ As far as RAS, Reese only ran 40, and did great: 4.47, though he is 10lb lighter than Bailey, not enough to get a score.. Reese will do the rest at the Pro Day, where they give favorable measurements. Bain didn't do any of these drills for RAS. Bailey was really the only one of the 3 who did enough of the drills to get RAS score, and it was excellent. Plus longer arms than the other two. I think given schematic flexibility that AG apparently wants, it might come down to Bailey or Reese. I like Bain too, but he seems a classic 4-3 DE, while Bailey and Reese can play both 3-4 and 4-3. Bailey is my guy at this point, will be interesting to see what the Jets will do.
The eye test does it for me as well, Bain played against guys that are going to play in the NFL, he also played against older guys in college, it wasn’t just 20 year olds. Bain has produced consistently and at a very high level, the man showed up when it mattered most. He is also the only true plug and play draft pick that can take JJ spot since it’s his natural position. Other than Glenn calling defensive plays, are they truly changing out their whole scheme? I can see a hybrid scheme but the jets are simply not built for 3-4 defense even with Reese as a draft pick. Bain, Macdonald as the bookends, Sweat and Briggs can clog up the middle. I’m just thinking out loud as I try to look at different possibilities,
I do like Bailey a lot but he looks kinda slender. Yes he's got that wiry, strong super athletic build but I worry a bit about those guys being able to establish leverage and be an every down player against run and pass. I mean just look at Will McDonald for reference. We already have one of those on our team and I don't think we need another one or teams will just out physical us. I've got Bain slightly over Bailey. I just think Bain is ready to go day 1. I think Reese is a project for sure and want nothing to do with him. Too much boom or bust with him. Bailey I do love his skillset for an edge rusher but as an every down player, I think Bain is the better, all around choice for run and pass. He was very strong in both areas.
I don’t think Bain is in the convo anymore after yesterday’s trade plus the combine. Bailey or Reese, full steam ahead. Im still massively behind Reese especially after yesterday but man, Bailey is a freak. I like the Brian Burns comparison too. I think we all sign up for that. Btw this video from Reese is insane. Shows off exactly why only focusing on his pass rush ability is irresponsible: https://x.com/staceydales/status/2027188108555378708?s=46&t=eaLIxbRmBqelegocbpHIVQ In QB news… Ty Simpson met with the Jets, spoke glowingly and gave a J-E-T-S chant. Acquiring a starting caliber DT yesterday makes me think differently about picks 16, 33 and 44. I’m more open to taking Simpson at 33, ideally 44 but he won’t be there.
More on Reese… Sabo sums up my thoughts on him far clearer than I’ve been able to do every time I post about how he isn’t one thing or another: https://x.com/robbysabo/status/2027186795033645438?s=46&t=eaLIxbRmBqelegocbpHIVQ https://x.com/robbysabo/status/2027368254923026749?s=46&t=eaLIxbRmBqelegocbpHIVQ https://x.com/robbysabo/status/2027388799093805160?s=46&t=eaLIxbRmBqelegocbpHIVQ “Just one thing: We didn’t need the combine stuff for Arvell Reese, but I’m glad it’s waking folks up. The dude has a throwback mentality to go along with the freaky stuff. He wants to hurt people and can dominate in space. It’s as rare a combo as it gets (especially these days).” “I get why many think this, but Arvell Reese is as true of an EDGE as anybody in this draft or free agency. His off-ball ability is *incremental* — not *detrimental* — to his EDGE ability. ✅ Consider *how well* he plays each situation (pass-rush, against the run, in space, down the line, flat/screen, etc.), as opposed to *how often* he’s played each situation. In that case, Reese > Bailey and Bain.” “It’s bc fans and media generally focus on ONE skill at EDGE: pass-rushing, and it’s shortsighted. Reese can do everything: pass-rush, defend run, hold up with strength (at his size), can play in space (whereas the other guys can’t), which is massive today (to have an edge who can play 1v1 situations in flat-curl and zone-read/RPO). A skill set like Reese at EDGE is equivalent to a Lamar at QB, in that each player drastically expands the versatility and ability at each position.”
Downs measurables not helping his stock… short, short arms short wingspan. Meanwhile the kid from Toledo (EMW) has some great numbers. 6’3”, long arms, big wing span. Will be interested in seeing his times.
Missed this David Bailey drill from yesterday. Yikes. A little alarming. https://x.com/coachbirach/status/2027165612347109668?s=46&t=eaLIxbRmBqelegocbpHIVQ
It's definitely going to be a tough decision, a lot of high-end picks, I love Reese and Bain, I just hope we don't fuck it up.
I think 2 is obviously going to be Reese or Bailey. I lean Bailey, but I wouldn't come away disappointed with either. I think this was the case before the trade, and moving JJ just kind of made it obvious. I thought DT was seriously in play at 16 before the trade. Now I'm thinking that won't be the case. Sweat probably isn't good enough to negate the IDL need, but he can push that need further down the road. I think at this point, CB will probably be the pick. I think OG is in play as well, depending on what happens in FA. Styles will be gone so ILB isn't happening. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Jets move off 33 and trade back up into the first. Maybe they use next years third and grab Simpson. Not sure I'd love it, but I can definitely see it. I think 44 will be a WR. There seem to be a lot of good ones, so thats where I would go.
CB at 16 still feels like an absolute waste of a high asset to me. We have three starters at the position already, at the very least two and a third that showed a lot of promise as a rookie. We have no safeties, a big need at WR, need a whole new LB room. You can’t make a depth pick in the middle of the first round.
Do not discount the interviews and questions around schemes. That is likely a huge factor too along with the production and measurables
I would prefer WR over CB at 16 for sure...I think the need is much higher at WR...of course, let's see what we do in free agency, but I'd rather go WR at 16 and get a CB in free agency as there seem to be a bunch available
You may be right. I have no clue how the Jets are currently viewing the team, and what they consider needs. I don't think any defensive player taken in at least the first couple rounds is going to be depth. We're talking about one of worst passing defenses that couldn't manage an interception last year. If they take a CB round 1, he probably goes into camp the number one starter. I dont think the Jets can let AZ Thomas or Brownlee get in the way of the best available player (if thats how they see it)
At CB, I'd probably go with Ponds from Indiana. The kid's a flat out play maker against the best comp. Can probably be had at 44. I'd go with his college teammate Sarratt at 33.
I was in the Bailey camp for a while because I was dazzled by his advanced pass rush skills, and his quickness, moves, and speed. However, when I noticed his below average run down abilities, I became concerned because the last thing I want is a better version of McDonald. In fact, I think we need to draft/sign in free agency two edge players who can both pass rush and stuff the run. Reese’s impressive strength and skill in playing the run is apparent, even against tackles that outweigh him by 60 pounds. That the Jets will have a lot of odd fronts with two outside linebackers expected to fill different roles makes the selection of Reese even more necessary. Being dazzled by raw sack numbers evidently is a mistake when comparing Reese’s statistics to Bailey’s. For example, if I’m not mistaken Reese greatly outperformed Bailey in sacks per pass rush attempt.
Well stated Chandler... I'm not much of a college guy either. The only reason I dig into someone, albeit via YouTube, is when I see high interest on the board. Bain was one of those players. I also watched some of the playoffs specifically to see Bain, Mendoza and a couple others. His production is what jumps off the page and he did against the best. People who will be his peers and employed in the NFL as well. I don't see how his arms are an issue if he is whuppin' the same ass, in college, he'll see in the pros. That's just me. I am simply of the mindset that the combine should not be what derails a kid who actually puts it on the field.
