Jets’ David Bailey living up to expectations in rookie season

When the New York Jets selected defensive end David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, big things were expected from the college standout.

Bailey was an All-American defensive player in 2025 at Texas Tech and finished his collegiate career with 29 sacks, including 14.5 of those as a senior. Those gaudy numbers in college led to him being selected No. 2 overall and through five weeks, he’s absolutely living up to the hype.

David Bailey has been outstanding this season

Bailey has adjusted to the NFL quite well and has been outstanding so far this season. Through five games, Bailey has 17 tackles, five sacks (leads all rookies), a forced fumble and a pass defended.

Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, Bailey recorded nine pressures, tied for the most in a game by a rookie since Jared Verse in 2024. The nine pressures for Bailey gave him 26 on the season, a number that leads all rookies.

Overall, it has been an outstanding start to Bailey’s NFL career, and he’s played a huge rule in New York’s defense being one of the best in football so far this season.