The New York Jets scrapped a top-30 visit with Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey on Wednesday, the final day of the NFL’s pre-draft visiting window. Connor Hughes of SNY first reported the cancellation just after 5 p.m., a timing that has sparked immediate speculation across the league. The move is particularly jarring because Bailey currently stands as the betting favorite to be selected by the Jets at the No. 2 overall pick.
Timing of the cancellation suggests an odd internal timeline
The clock on top-30 visits expired Wednesday evening. Reporting the cancellation of a visit just as the deadline hit is a peculiar choice for a front office. Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk noted that the original schedule for Bailey’s visit wasn’t widely publicized, which complicates the narrative. If the visit was never a public certainty, the cancellation may be a non-event.
The Jets could have simply run out of time to host the Red Raider. A team might choose to let a visit lapse quietly rather than announce a cancellation. The fact that this information leaked shortly before the window closed suggests either a deliberate signal to the market or a lapse in communication.
Why the move could be a tactical ploy for trade leverage
Analysts view the meaning of this report in diverging ways. The most direct interpretation is that the Jets have lost interest in Bailey and decided not to waste resources on a formal visit. However, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post suggests the opposite could be true. The Jets may feel they have enough data on Bailey to be secure in drafting him without a final trip to New York.
Drafting at No. 2 offers little room for traditional smokescreens, as the No. 1 pick is widely considered a lock for Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders. But the Jets could be hunting for trade interest. Teams in the top 10, including the Cardinals and Giants, have reportedly shown interest in trading down.
By appearing hesitant about Bailey, the Jets might bait a team interested in a premier pass rusher to trade up. If a rival believes Bailey is sliding or available, the Jets’ phones might start ringing with offers that provide more value than the No. 2 pick alone.
Arvell Reese remains a primary target for the Jets
Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese did complete a top-30 visit with the Jets. Reese was previously favored to be the second pick in several draft projections, placing him in direct competition with Bailey for the Jets’ attention.
The Jets’ interest in the defensive line extends beyond the top two picks. The team also owns the 16th overall selection and has hosted a variety of prospects for medical checks and interviews. These include North Carolina State defensive end Cian Slone, San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson, Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., and Texas Tech safety Cole Wisniewski.
Across 14 games, Bailey established himself as a premier pass rusher
Bailey’s collegiate resume is formidable. A consensus All-American in his senior year, he paired his 14.5 sacks with three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. His ability to disrupt the backfield is the primary reason he remains a betting favorite for a top-two selection.
Other NFL teams have already vetted the Red Raider. Bailey visited the Cowboys, Chiefs, Cardinals, and Titans before the Jets’ visit was canceled. These visits indicate a high level of league-wide interest that typically doesn’t vanish because of one canceled trip.
The Jets’ actual intent will emerge in eight days when the No. 2 selection is announced. Until then, the league will wonder if New York is genuinely pivoting away from Bailey or simply playing a high-stakes game of chicken with other GMs.
Who else did the Jets host for top-30 visits?
Along with Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese, the Jets hosted Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr., San Diego State CB Chris Johnson, NC State DE Cian Slone, and Texas Tech S Cole Wisniewski.
What is David Bailey’s current draft standing?
Despite the canceled visit, Bailey is the betting favorite to be taken at No. 2 overall by the New York Jets.