What happened: The New York Jets employed three coaches who overlapped with David Bailey on Stanford's staff: assistant QB coach Thomas Merkle, assistant OL coach Al Netter, and offensive assistant Matthew Sargent. Their familiarity provided valuable intel that factored into the Jets' decision to draft Bailey. The connections helped evaluate the prospect during the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why it matters: Such internal ties reduce draft risk by offering firsthand evaluations of character, work ethic, and scheme fit. For the Jets rebuilding their roster, accurate scouting intel on mid-round picks like Bailey could accelerate development. It underscores how coaching networks shape front-office decisions in a competitive draft landscape.

What to watch: Monitor Bailey's performance in Jets' rookie minicamp and OTAs for early role indications.