The Jets would start scheduling David Bailey’s Ring of Honor induction ceremony right now if they knew that they made the same level of draft “mistake” that the Broncos made in 2011 or that the Raiders made in 2014. 

Friday night’s Jets-Giants preseason game will mark the first time that the top two defensive players selected in the 2026 draft share the field since the Jets opted for Bailey (No. 2) and started Arvell Reese’s surprise slide to the unsuspecting Giants (No. 5). 

Head-to-head comparisons now as rookies — and for what both teams hope is a decade of crosstown stardom — are inevitable, but here’s the thing: Because a quarterback isn’t involved, there might not need to be regret. 

In defensive draft debates, there is room for dual greatness.