The New York Jets selected former Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2026 NFL draft.
Bailey is expected to help transform the Jets’ pass rush this season. They’re expecting a big campaign out of him, possibly a Defensive Rookie of the Year type of season.
Bailey registered 14.5 sacks for the Red Raiders last season. He was among the most impactful pass rushers in college football last year. That’s precisely why the Jets are expecting a swift impact.
Bailey is expected to start opposite Will McDonald IV. The Jets also signed Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare in free agency. General manager Darren Mougey totally revamped the pass rush this offseason. The Jets are now four-deep at defensive end.
Bailey possesses every trait required to enjoy a double-digit sack season as a rookie. That would be quite the achievement. Only two rookies have had 10+ sacks in their debut season since 2020, with James Pearce Jr. (10.5) doing it in 2025, and Micah Parsons hitting the milestone (13.0) in 2021.
Anything above seven sacks would represent a quality rookie campaign for Bailey. The Jets are fortunate to have him. Bailey has the athleticism needed to enjoy a productive rookie year.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: How many sacks will Jets rookie EDGE David Bailey have in 2026?
Reporting by Justin Melo, Jets Wire / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Justin Melo, Jets Wire | USA TODAY Network
