NFL Draft Rumors: Jets Eyeing Texas Tech's David Bailey at No. 2, Cowboys Exploring Trade Up

The latest intel on the top of the 2026 NFL Draft, including potential moves by the Jets, Cardinals, Giants, and Cowboys.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:42pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an abstract football scene, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft.The chaotic, ever-shifting landscape of the NFL Draft comes to life in a cubist-inspired illustration.NYC Today

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the rumor mill is heating up. The latest buzz suggests the New York Jets could be leaning towards Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey at the No. 2 overall pick, rather than the previously projected Arvell Reese. The Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 are considering sticking and picking either Bailey or Reese, or potentially trading down. The New York Giants at No. 5 are weighing options like Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys are exploring trading up to target defenders like Ohio State's Caleb Downs or Miami's Rueben Bain Jr., while the New England Patriots are expected to try and move up from their Day 3 picks.

Why it matters

As the 2026 NFL Draft nears, teams are jockeying for position and evaluating their options at the top of the board. The decisions made in the early picks could have a significant impact on the rest of the draft, as teams look to address key needs on both offense and defense.

The details

According to reports, the New York Jets are considering Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey at the No. 2 overall pick, rather than the previously projected Arvell Reese from Ohio State. Bailey is viewed as a more 'pro-ready' edge defender, which could appeal to the Jets as they look to quickly turn around their defense. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 are weighing their options, with the possibility of sticking and selecting either Bailey or Reese, or potentially trading down to acquire more draft capital. The New York Giants at No. 5 are considering options like Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, as they have needs across the roster. The Dallas Cowboys, who have two first-round picks, are exploring trading up to target defenders like Ohio State's Caleb Downs or Miami's Rueben Bain Jr., while the New England Patriots are expected to try and move up from their Day 3 selections to better position themselves for players they have targeted, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft begins in two weeks on April 24th.

The players

David Bailey

A pass rusher from Texas Tech who is viewed as a more 'pro-ready' edge defender, potentially appealing to the New York Jets at the No. 2 overall pick.

Arvell Reese

A defender from Ohio State who has been linked to the Jets at No. 2, but may now be behind Bailey on their draft board.

Sonny Styles

A linebacker from Ohio State who is a potential target for the New York Giants at the No. 5 overall pick.

Caleb Downs

A safety from Ohio State who the Dallas Cowboys are reportedly interested in potentially trading up to select.

Rueben Bain Jr.

An edge rusher from Miami who the Cowboys are also considering trading up to target.

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What they’re saying

“The Jets might be leaning toward Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey instead. While Reese is an enticing prospect, moving him fulltime to the edge after he spent time as both a pass rusher and an off-ball linebacker at Ohio State will require some development.”

— Peter Schrager and Daniel Jeremiah, ESPN Analysts

“Trading up continues to be a possibility, especially if there's a player they have high on their board who backslides a tad. Safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) are believed to be players whom the Cowboys would maneuver for, as Dallas reportedly sees both as instant-impact game changers on defense.”

— Jordan Reid, ESPN Cowboys Beat Writer

“It's essential for the Patriots to attack the offensive and defensive lines in this draft. Don't rule out a defensive tackle for New England in the first two rounds, as it wants to continue to strengthen its rotation at that spot. Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) is someone to watch early, and Nick Barrett (South Carolina) is an interior defender to keep an eye on in later rounds.”

— Jordan Reid, ESPN Patriots Beat Writer

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place on April 24th, with the first round kicking off in two weeks. Teams will continue to evaluate prospects and explore trade options in the lead-up to the big event.

The takeaway

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, teams at the top of the board are jockeying for position and weighing their options. The decisions made in the early picks could have a significant impact on the rest of the draft, as franchises look to address key needs on both offense and defense.