Jets draft trades history

The What-If Episode

April 9, 2026
JetCast graphic for 2026 NFL Draft coverage of Ty Simpson and the Jets-Cardinals collision at Pick 33.

Jets and Cardinals Are About to Fight Over Ty Simpson

April 20, 2026
Jets draft trades history

The What-If Episode

April 9, 2026
JetCast graphic for 2026 NFL Draft coverage of Ty Simpson and the Jets-Cardinals collision at Pick 33.

Jets and Cardinals Are About to Fight Over Ty Simpson

April 20, 2026
JCP 003 Thumbnail
50:00
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JCP 003

Jets Draft Blueprint: Production Over Projection, Finally!

April 17, 2026 ~50 min

One week out from the 2026 NFL Draft. Frankie V from U Stadium and the New York Post joins Pat to break down the No. 2 pick — David Bailey vs Arvell Reese, production vs projection — plus the WR hole at 16, Ty Simpson at 33, and why this franchise needs to stop chasing upside and start drafting players who actually produce.

Guest: Frankie V — U Stadium / New York Post

Timestamps

  • 0:00Introduction and Guest Overview
  • 0:21Jets' Draft Strategy and the Bailey vs Reese Debate
  • 5:33Team Needs and Character Analysis
  • 10:18Quarterback Prospects and Draft Considerations
  • 19:45Team Building and Management Insights
  • 30:26Draft Strategy and Future Outlook
  • 49:15Closing Remarks and Social Media

Pick No. 2: David Bailey vs Arvell Reese — Production Over Projection

The central theme of this episode comes down to a philosophy the Jets have gotten wrong too many times: chasing projection over production. Frankie V's take is clear — David Bailey is the pick at No. 2. He's the polished, productive edge rusher. Reese is the higher-ceiling athletic freak, but he disappears for stretches, and that should scare you off at the top of the draft.

The conversation digs into first-step quickness, what Aaron Glenn's defense is actually going to look like, and whether Reese's inconsistency is a coaching issue or a player issue. The interesting wrinkle: Bailey might even fit a 3-4 scheme better than people think, despite being profiled as a traditional 4-3 end.

Frankie's take: Bailey is production, Reese is projection — and this franchise has burned enough picks chasing projection. The Jets were 31st in sacks last year with 26. They need someone who produces from Day 1.

There's also a real trade-down conversation. Darren Mougey said publicly that "everything is on the table." If someone falls in love with a specific prospect and offers a meaningful return, the Jets should at least listen. But Frankie's position is clear: take Bailey and don't overthink it.

Pick No. 16: The Wide Receiver Hole

The non-Wilson receivers on this roster have a combined two career touchdowns. That number kept coming up throughout the conversation, and for good reason — it's a problem that screams for a Day 1 fix at 16.

The names in play: Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, Emeka Lemon, Omar Cooper Jr., and Denzel Boston. Tyson's injury history came up as a potential red flag, though the consensus was it's probably overblown. Cooper Jr. has drawn Deebo Samuel comps after a 937-yard, 13-touchdown season, and the buzz after his April 13 visit has been loud.

On Ty Simpson at 16: the answer is no. Not at this spot. The value doesn't match the risk when you have real needs that can be addressed with a proven college producer. That Simpson conversation shifts to 33, where the calculus changes.

Sleeper alert: Frankie thinks Vega, the Penn State guard, might be the most bust-proof player in the entire draft class. Don't sleep on the offensive line value at 16 either, especially after losing Simpson and Vera-Tucker this offseason.

Picks 33 & 44: Under-the-Radar Names and the CB Hole

The second round is where the Jets can get creative. Ty Simpson at 33 is a real possibility — Rich Cimini has mocked it, and the logic works: less risk in Round 2 since Geno Smith can start while Simpson develops. But there are other paths too.

Frankie flagged Chris Bell and Chris Brazzell as under-the-radar names to know at 33 and 44. These aren't the headliners that show up in every mock draft, but they're the kind of productive players who could contribute immediately.

At 44, cornerback is the obvious need after trading Sauce Gardner. Chris Johnson from San Diego State ran a 4.40 at the Combine and keeps showing up in Jets mocks at this spot.

Big Picture: Mougey, the Trades, and Forward Thinking

The conversation went beyond just the draft board. Do you trust Darren Mougey? What should we make of the Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams trades, especially the timing on the Quinnen deal? Frankie and Pat got into whether Mougey is building something real or just shuffling assets.

They also touched on Nick Mangold — a few words about a Jets legend. And an interesting aside about Sean Payton giving play-calling duties to Davis Webb in Denver, and why that kind of forward thinking is exactly what this franchise has never been willing to try.

The bottom line: Production over projection. This draft is about getting players who can contribute from Week 1, not chasing upside that may never materialize. The Jets have four picks in the top 44 — there's no excuse for not coming out of this weekend significantly better.