For the Texas Tech Red Raiders, the 2026 NFL Draft kicked off with a bang. Edge rusher David Bailey comes off the board in the first round.
It was never a matter of if he would be drafted on day one; it was a matter of when. Bailey’s name really shot up the media boards since the season ended. In January, he was consistently mocked around the No. 9 spot and has been climbing ever since. It went from a mock to reality with the New York Jets making him the No. 2 overall selection ahead of Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese, who was viewed as his main competition for that draft slot.
The Jets now add a player who can help the league’s second-worst scoring defense and the NFL’s worst defense at creating turnovers. Bailey can help immediately by getting to opposing quarterbacks. He led the nation in sacks, TFLs, and quarterback hurries this past season.
Now Bailey will embark on a journey to prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft with the rookie minicamp in the coming weeks. For now, he will celebrate this milestone.
This article originally appeared on Red Raiders Wire: New York Jets take David Bailey with the No. 2 overall selection
Reporting by Patrick Conn, Red Raiders Wire / Red Raiders Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
