When the New York Jets selected defensive end David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, big things are expected from the college standout.
Bailey was an All-American defensive player in 2025 at Texas Tech and finished his college career with 29 sacks, including 14.5 of those as a senior. Because of those impressive numbers in college, he was selected No. 2 overall and in five weeks, he’s fully lived up to the hype.
David Bailey has been outstanding this season
Bailey has adjusted well to the NFL and has been outstanding so far this season. Through five games, Bailey has 17 tackles, five sacks (leading all rookies), one forced fumble and one pass defended.
Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, Bailey recorded nine pressures, tied for the most by a rookie since Jared Verse in 2024. Bailey’s nine pressures give him 26 on the season, a number that tops all rookies.
Overall, it’s been an outstanding start to Bailey’s NFL career, and he’s played a big role in New York’s defense as one of the best in football so far this season.