David Bailey, Texas Tech
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Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey going through the drills at the 2026 NFL Combine.
What does the perfect draft look like for the New York Jets in the first round?
ESPN’s Jordan Reid answered that question: Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick and USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the No. 16 overall pick.
“The Jets should take two players who can be impactful right away. A highly productive player off the edge, Bailey’s explosive get-off is something this pass rush lacks. And for help opposite Garrett Wilson, Lemon is a steady option who could move inside to the slot. His sure hands, formational versatility, and competitiveness after the catch make him an easy fit in new coordinator Frank Reich’s offense,” Reid wrote.
Balanced Diet Makes Sense Early in the Draft
The Jets have four picks inside the top-44. That includes two of those picks in the first round.
Since the turn of the 21st century, the Jets have had six drafts in which they have held multiple first-round picks. 2026 will be the seventh such occasion:
2022:
2021:
2013:
2008:
Vernon Gholston, EDGE, No. 6 overall
Dustin Keller, TE, No. 30 overall
2006:
D’Brickashaw Ferguson, OL, No. 4 overall
Nick Mangold, OL, No. 29 overall
2000:
Shaun Ellis, DL, No. 12 overall
John Abraham, DL, No. 13 overall
Chad Pennington, QB, No. 18 overall
Anthony Becht, TE, No. 27 overall
The Jets have needs on offense and defense. It makes sense to split the premium assets evenly between both sides of the ball.
Looking Into the Numbers for Bailey
Bailey, 22, will turn 23 before the start of the 2026 season.
He is listed as the third-best player on the consensus big board and the second-best defensive player in this class behind Ohio State’s Arvell Reese.
The Jets’ decision for the No. 2 overall pick comes down to Reese versus Bailey.
The former Texas Tech product is listed at 6-foot-4 and weighs 251 pounds.
“Bailey is extremely hard for linemen to stay in front of. He moves like a slashing two guard, blending explosiveness and fluidity to slip, bend, and flow around blocks from multiple angles. His leverage and lower-body flexion create game-over scenarios once he reaches pocket depth with even a minor lead … He’s instinctive with natural mid-rush counters, but he must continue developing hand usage and crafting rush plans for when protection shifts his way,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote.
“Teams can run at Bailey due to his lack of anchor and take-on presence, but his work-around quickness will also lead to tackles for loss. His draft grade is slightly tempered by a lack of desired size/length, but the explosiveness and athletic talent is truly elite. His sack production should carry over to the NFL as an odd-front rush linebacker with Pro Bowl upside,” Zierlein added.
Bailey is coming off a career year in sacks (14.5) and tackles for loss (19.5). Those are great numbers.
What isn’t great is his ability against the run. According to Pro Football Focus, Bailey finished with a 76.4 run defense grade. That ranked 165th among 852 qualified edge rushers.
The Jets have one of those types of players in Will McDonald. That would be the one level of pushback on adding this type of player.