Jets edge rusher taken No. 2 overall in 2026 - the highest-drafted defensive player in franchise history.
David Bailey went second overall to the New York Jets in the 2026 NFL Draft, the highest any defensive player has been selected in franchise history. The edge rusher is expected to start immediately alongside a Jets defense that is otherwise retooling under Aaron Glenn's second year as head coach.
Path to the league
Selected 2nd overall by the New York Jets in 2026. His pass-rush ability drove the selection despite some pre-draft questions about his run-defense footprint at the college level. Aaron Glenn's staff has designated him as an immediate starter.
Fit with the Jets
Glenn described Bailey as 'intense on the field,' which the head coach views as a cultural fit with the standard he's trying to set in year two. Bailey joins a defense that needs a genuine edge threat to complement the new offensive investment the Jets made in the 2026 draft.
Sources
- ESPN: Jets five questions ahead of OTAs
- NFL.com: 2026 NFL Draft - David Bailey
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Linebacker
- Group
- defense
- College
- Texas Tech
- Hometown
- Irvine, CA, USA
- Age
- 22
- Status
- active
Latest news about David Bailey
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