It was a big debate leading up to the draft who the Jets were going to take with the second overall pick, and they answered by selecting edge rusher David Bailey out of Texas Tech. Bailey is now the sixth player in the history of the Jets organization to be taken out of Texas Tech. The Jets were looking for a difference maker and star power to the defense, and they drafted Bailey to bring the Jets defense back to relevance.
In his first three seasons of his college career, Bailey started out at Stanford where he was a part-time starter in 32 games, racking up only 14.5 sacks. He would then transfer to Texas Tech where he would then generate 14.5 sacks, equaling the total amount he had in all his three seasons at Stanford. Bailey was a key contributor for a Texas Tech team that went on to have a historic 12-2 record, a Big 12 championship, and an appearance in the College Football Championship.
Last year, Bailey was one of the best defensive players in the nation. He had 14.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, 52 total tackles, and 3 forced fumbles. As a result of his defensive dominance, he was voted Unanimous All-American First Team, All-Big 12 First team, Big 12 Defensive Linemen of the year, Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year, and a Lombardi Award Finalist. Transferring to Texas Tech was the best decision for Bailey who achieved so much in his lone season with Texas Tech that the Jets selected him second overall in the 2026 draft.
The Jets second overall pick was between Arvell Reese and David Bailey. They originally canceled their top-30 visit with Bailey, leading many to question where the Jets and Bailey stood. After all the conflicting reports with the Jets surrounding Bailey and Reese, the Jets wound up selecting David Bailey.
What Impact Bailey Brings to the Jets
David Bailey joins a revamped edge room that features Will McDonald IV, along with free agent signings Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare. The Jets started revamping their pass-rushing room when they traded away Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans. Bailey is now set to become the vocal point of the Jets’ edge rushing group that failed miserably to get to the quarterback as they were 30th-ranked in sack rate the previous season.
The Jets, who are in rebuild mode but still looking to win now, are targeting players who can give them a competitive edge and help keep their defense afloat in games. They’re also aiming to rebuild a unit that was arguably one of the worst in the league last season, allowing 29.6 points per game, 355.6 total yards, and 139 rushing yards per game. Bringing in a player like David Bailey could help change that, as he has the ability to generate sacks and force turnovers—two areas where the Jets struggled.
Bailey brings elite passing and rushing skills that were missing after they traded away both Quinnen Williams and Jermaine Johnson. He also shows elite athleticism with a 4.5 speed at only 250 Ibs while also having the swim, rip, and spin moves to get past offensive linemen. He’s an edge that has a high motor and an explosive first step that fits what the Jets want and need. Bailey is looked at as the move-proven player ready to make an impact right away.
The run game is his weakness, but hopefully, under Aaron Glenn, Bailey can become a run stopper to go with his elite pass-rushing skills. Aaron Glenn gets a defensive superstar who will help bring the Jets’ defense back to relevance.
