Bailey rising to No.2?

Late mock-draft chatter has Texas Tech edge David Bailey climbing toward the New York Jets' No. 2 pick in final mocks. (nfl.com) NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah placed Bailey at No. 2 in his final mock, published Apr. 22, 2026, noting a debate over the choice. (nfl.com) Bailey recorded 14.5 sacks for Texas Tech in the 2025 season, according to ESPN's official game logs and season totals. (espn.com) A No. 2 selection would top recent program highs — Tyree Wilson was taken No. 7 overall in 2023 — and would be second only to Dave Parks, the No. 1 pick in 1964. (texastech.com) (pro-football-reference.com) Draft-watchers warn a Jets pick at No. 2 for Bailey could spark a defensive run and quicken trade activity in the top 10; Jeremiah projected four trades in his final mock. (nfl.com) Bailey transferred to Texas Tech from Stanford, is listed at 6'3" and 250 pounds, and earned AP All-America First Team honors for the 2025 season. (texastech.com) Some draft outlets and trackers — including PFF and Yahoo Sports — have mocked Bailey into the top end of Round 1, while Jeremiah flagged Ohio State’s Arvell Reese as the other top candidate for No. 2. (pff.com) (nfl.com) The 2026 NFL Draft opens Apr. 23, 2026; Round 1 coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network and partners, when teams will either confirm Bailey's rise or send mock chatter spinning. (nfl.com)