Bailey, widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in the draft, reportedly had his top 30 visit with the New York Jets abruptly canceled.
Texas Tech's David Bailey is widely considered to be one of the best players in the NFL Draft, and as such, most mock drafts have him being selected either at No. 2 or No. 3 overall.
Such has been the excitement over what Bailey could be at the next level that he is seen as a big defensive piece that can help turn around a defensive program.
At this time of the year, players are on their top 30 draft visits with NFL teams that might have interest in drafting them, and Bailey is no different.
Well, sort of.
According to various reports, Bailey was expected to visit the New York Jets before the draft, but the Jets have now canceled that visit.
That is a big shock.
That sounds odd.
So ... there is one reason that might explain it.
Granted, I don't have any specific knowledge, but given the Jets have also reportedly been heavy into Ohio State's Arvell Reese, is it possible that Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey are sold on Reese at No. 2 over Bailey?
You could make that conclusion as the Jets will have their pick of the entire draft, minus Fernando Mendoza, who the Las Vegas Raiders will almost certainly take at No. 1 overall.
But then there is another thought as to why the Jets canceled Bailey's visit.
Did they find something about him, either on the field or off the field, that they didn't like, or saw Reese as the much better prospect for what Glenn wants to do on defense?
In truth, it is all speculation, but there's no denying that Bailey is one of the best defensive players in the draft. It appears the Jets have said thanks but no thanks to the Red Raider.
It is a rather curious situation, as I'm not sure how often teams cancel a top-30 visit with a prospect. I'm sure it's happened before, but I can't recall it, especially for one of the better players in the draft.
Is Bailey's stock, after his 19.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks in 2025, starting to fall? Or are the Jets so in love with him that they don't need another "date'' before "marriage''?