Earlier this year, at the 2026 NFL Draft, both the New York Giants and New York Jets held some of the most valuable picks. The Jets selected defensive end David Bailey with the second overall pick in the draft, while the Giants selected linebacker Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick in the draft. This has brought two of the league’s best emerging defensive players to the Meadowlands.
Each week, the NFL hosts voting for the Pepsi Rookie of the Week, crowning the week’s standout rookie from a full slate of games. Of the eight winners thus far, five have been members of either the Jets or Giants. Both Reese (Week 4) and Bailey (Week 5) have already earned the honors. Now, following two dominant performances, the rookies are facing one another as finalists.
The four finalists for week 9 of the NFL season are Jets’ David Bailey, 49ers’ Jaden Dugger, Giants’ Arvell Reese and Cowboys’ Caleb Downs. Bailey earned his spot in the team’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he continuously applied pressure to two-time MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Bailey finished the game with nine tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles. On the season, Bailey is tied for first in the league in forced fumbles with five, while he is tied for fourth in sacks with seven and a half.
Arvell Reese was just as destructive in the Giants’ win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, recording 12 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble. Reese became just the second rookie in Giants history to record three or more sacks in a game with his performance. Reese ranks third in the league in solo tackles and 10th in tackles for loss.
Fans can vote for their winner of the Pepsi Rookie of the Week on the NFL’s X or Instagram account.
Regardless of the results, the Meadowlands has not only two of the best young defensive rookies in the league, but two of the best defensive players in general. The future ahead is bright for both teams, who have these dominant and electrifying players to lead their defenses for years to come.