Jets select pass rusher David Bailey with No. 2 pick in NFL draft

The New York Jets opted for manufacturing over potential, choosing Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the second pick Thursday evening in the NFL draft.

Bailey, arguably the highest pass rusher in faculty soccer final season, obtained the nod over Ohio State linebacker/edge rusher Arvell Reesea hybrid participant with huge upside. For weeks, draftniks debated between Bailey and Reese, fueling intense hypothesis.

Bailey turns into highest-drafted defensive participant in Jets historical past after main the FBS in sacks (14.5), tackles for loss (23) and quarterback strain share (20.4) for the 2025 season.

With Bailey, the primary of the Jets’ 5 first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027, the Jets addressed a significant want on protection. In a 3-14 season, they produced solely 26 sacks — thirty first in the NFL. That lack of constant strain was one of many causes New York turned the primary workforce with out an interception in season with a minimum of 16 video games.

Bailey joins an edge-rushing group that features Will McDonald IV (team-leading eight sacks), former Cincinnati Bengals defensive finish Joseph Ossai and former Green Bay Packers pass rusher Kingsley Enagbare. Jermaine Johnson, one in every of New York’s prime pass rushers, was traded to the Tennessee Titans in March.

At Texas Tech, Bailey performed as a stand-up rusher whereas additionally understanding of a three-point stance. He was recognized by scouts as a fast rusher with excellent pace. He ran the 40-yard sprint in 4.5 seconds, the quickest on the mix for a participant weighing a minimum of 250 kilos.

The considerations with Bailey are his run protection and the truth that he performed just one season of school ball as a full-time starter. Before his one season at Tech, he recorded 14.5 sacks in three seasons at Stanford.