NFL Draft: Jets select Texas Tech's David Bailey, Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq and Indiana's Omar Cooper in Round 1

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The Jets drafted the more proven edge rusher with the better floor than the one with the higher ceiling, and added two pass-catchers in the first round of Thursday’s NFL Draft.

After much conjecture and debate, the Jets took Texas Tech senior David Bailey with the second overall pick. Bailey led the FBS with 14 ½ sacks and was a first-team All-American in his only season at Texas Tech.

The Jets had everyone guessing whether they would take Bailey or versatile Ohio State defender Arvell Reese with the No. 2 pick.

Bailey is the more polished player and the best pure pass rusher in this draft. Reese, a hybrid linebacker for the Buckeyes, has more position flexibility and upside. The Giants took Reese with the No. 5 pick.

“The first thing that jumps out on tape is my pass rushing ability,” Bailey said. “I’m explosive. I have an elite first step. I’m a versatile football player too.”

The Jets drafted explosive Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the No. 16 pick. They traded back into the first round to take Indiana receiver Omar Cooper Jr. with the 30th selection. The Jets sent picks 33 and 179 to San Francisco for 30.

The 241-pound Sadiq, who ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, caught 51 passes for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. The Jets’ tight end room now features Mason Taylor, a second-round pick last year, and Lindenhurst’s Jeremy Ruckert.

“I can help in the run and the pass game and on top of that I’m going to contribute in special teams as well,” Sadiq said. I can create separation, but I can also go hit someone.”

Cooper caught 69 passes for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns for the undefeated national champs.

The Jets needed to add playmakers and give new quarterback Geno Smith more weapons. They didn’t sign a receiver in free agency. Cooper joins a receiver room that includes Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell.

“When you have targets and you identify guys you love, you go get them,” Aaron Glenn said. “And that's exactly what we did today.”

Bailey, 22, is considered more ready to step in and have an immediate impact than the 22-year-old Reese. That was an appealing factor. The Jets, and especially Glenn for his job security, need to put a better product on the field and be more competitive.

The Jets went 3-14 last season. They allowed the second-most points in the NFL (29.6 per game), finished with the second fewest sacks (26) and the least pressures (87).

The 6-foot-4, 251-pound Bailey can help the Jets increase those numbers.

A terrific athlete with speed coming off the edge, Bailey ran a 4.5-40 at the Combine — the fastest time for defensive ends. He said he could be used as an off-ball linebacker and in coverage also.

“I feel confident the Jets will put me in the best position to succeed,” Bailey said.

Bailey played three seasons at Stanford before transferring to Texas Tech. He registered 19.5 tackles for loss, 81 pressures and three forced fumbles — all on strip sacks.

Glenn will be calling the defense this year and plans to play multiple fronts. Bailey is a good fit playing on the opposite side of Will McDonald whether the Jets are in a 3-4 or 4-3 front.

The two players use their speed and athleticism to try and disrupt the passer. Neither is strong run defenders, but Bailey is confident in his ability.

“I always can always improve,” Bailey said. “Even when it comes to pass rushing I can always improve. . . . I do feel confident in my ability to play the run, but obviously there’s always things to work on.”

Some eyebrows were raised when the Jets canceled a top-30 visit with Bailey. General manager Darren Mougey said Tuesday not “look too much into a cancellation.” The Jets spent time with Bailey at his Pro Day and had dinner with him.

“We had good touch points with him at the Combine,” Mougey said. “We went to his pro day, had a good dinner with him, and we were just kind of juggling our 30 (visits) and how to use them.”

Bailey said, “I didn’t know if it was an unusual thing to do, but I was still confident in the interactions that I had with them.”

The Jets have focused on improving their defense and adding leadership to that side of the football offseason. They acquired Demario Davis, Minkah Fitzpatrick, David Onyemata, Joseph Ossai, T’Vondre Sweat, Kingsley Enagbare, Nahshan Wright and Dane Belton.

Bailey said he had “limited interaction” with Glenn, but he’s “excited to get under his defensive scheme and just work hard, play hard as I can.”