But Bailey has his own bulging portfolio as he’s coming up fast on the outside as a contender for the Jets’ top pick. The 6-4, 251-pounder emerged in his first three college seasons at Stanford with career Cardinal totals of 14.5 sacks, 22.5 TFLs and 7 forced fumbles. Then he went through the player portal and finished with a big bang for Texas Tech — 14.5 sacks, tied for most in FBS, 19.5 TFLs, 3 more FFs, and recognition as a first=team AP All-American and Big 12 DL of the Year. At the Combine, Bailey’s 4,50 was the second-fastest 40 among D-ends/edge rushers, an eyelash of four-hundredths of a second behind Reese’s time.
“I do think Reese has the higher upside, the higher ceiling,” Jeremiah said. “And I know the Jets have made a lot of moves on the defensive side of the ball, a lot of one-year contracts, some short-term stuff there. … I do feel this is more toward the long-term build with all those picks next year.”
So Jeremiah feels strongly both ways. Or make that three ways, since the NFL analyst could even make a case for GM Darren Mougey and HC Aaron Glenn reaching slightly for the best linebacker in the draft, Sonny Styles, also out of Ohio State.
“I’m a Sonny Styles guy,” Jeremiah said, “to the point where, if that were the selection, I’d be fired up if I was a Jets fan. Just knowing how impactful he can be and someone who, if you’re looking for guys that can be at the top-five at their position in the NFL, he’s got the ability to do that. He’s got the chance to become one of the elite, All-Pro linebackers that can anchor this defense.”