The New York Jets used the No. 2 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select David Bailey, adding one of the top edge rushers in the country to their defensive front.
Bailey gives the Jets another explosive athlete off the edge and a player who produced at a high level in college. He broke out at Texas Tech Red Raiders after transferring from Stanford Cardinal, and his ability to get after the quarterback made him one of the most talked-about defenders in this class.
At 6-foot-4 and 251 pounds, Bailey has the size teams want at the position along with the burst to win off the snap. He reportedly ran a 4.50-second 40-yard dash during the pre-draft process, which only added to the excitement around his upside as a pass rusher.
For the Jets, this selection continues the focus on building strength in the trenches. Bailey should have an opportunity to contribute early as part of the pass rush rotation while developing into a larger role.
Here is his draft bio as listed by NFL.com:
- Name: David Bailey
- Position: EDGE
- College: Texas Tech
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 251 lbs
- 40-yard dash: 4.50
- Vertical jump: 35″
- Broad jump: 10’9″
- 2025 Stats: 14.5 sacks, 81 pressures
- Previous School: Stanford
Jets fans will get their first look at David Bailey during rookie minicamp as attention turns to how the new first-round pick adjusts to the National Football League and fits into the Jets defensive front. Be sure to check out our forums to see what other fans are saying about David Bailey.
