The excitement surrounding David Bailey isn’t difficult to understand. The New York Jets used one of the highest draft selections in franchise history to bring him aboard. His collegiate resume speaks for itself.
After transferring to the Texas Tech Red Raiders for his final NCAA season, Bailey emerged as one of the most disruptive defensive players in the country, recording 14.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and earning First-Team All-American honors.
His athletic ability jumps off the screen. What may be equally impressive, however, is what people inside the organization are saying about everything else. He has impressed both veteran teammates and coaches alike.
Demario Davis shares high praise for his rookie Jets teammate
It’s easy to become fascinated with Bailey’s explosiveness as a pass rusher. His first-step quickness, ability to bend around the edge, and knack for creating pressure made him one of the most feared defenders in college football, yet teammates have been just as impressed by his intelligence and approach to the game.
Before transferring to Texas Tech, Bailey graduated from Stanford in only three years with a degree in Science, Technology, and Society. That’s an accomplishment that speaks to discipline and work ethic as much as academic ability.
Veteran defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, another Stanford Cardinal alum, recently praised Bailey’s rare combination of athleticism and versatility. The admiration inside the locker room appears to extend well beyond his production on Saturdays.
Veteran linebacker Demario Davis recently offered his own thoughts on Bailey, and his comments painted a picture of a player whose best football may still be ahead of him. Thank NewYorkJets.com’s Jack Bell, for the quote.
“I think time will tell. There’s a reason why you’re the No. 2 draft pick. He was the most dominant pass rusher in the draft, and I think when you can get a guy like that, and you’re sound in other areas, it takes a lot of weight off of him where he can do what he does best.”
Davis also emphasized that Bailey’s development won’t stop with rushing the passer. Under defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, every player is expected to become a complete defender.
That may be the most encouraging part of this conversation for Jets fans. Bailey isn’t arriving in New York as a finished product, but everyone understands New York’s investment. He already possesses the trait every defense covets most: the ability to affect quarterbacks. He has recently been projected to lead all rookies in sacks and find his way into the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation.
The challenge now is rounding out the rest of his game. If that development occurs as expected, the Jets may have found much more than an elite pass rusher. They may have found a cornerstone defender capable of anchoring their defense for years to come.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: David Bailey earning high praise from a respected Jets veteran
Reporting by Geoffrey A Knox, Jets Wire / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Geoffrey A Knox, Jets Wire | USA TODAY Network
