Decisions, decisions. Over the offseason, general managers spend months determining who should remain on their rosters, as well as new talent they should pursue via trade/free agency. However, there is no timeframe more crucial than early April. Right now, all 32 teams are deciding which prospects fit in their big boards. With just over two weeks left, the decisions made during the NFL Draft will have a lasting impact for franchise. For some, it can determine their chance at success for the remainder of the decade. That’s why New York general manager Darren Mougey needs to make the right decision with the Jets second overall pick. While consensus draft analysts have seemingly locked in Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese as the frontrunner, there’s still competition. Stemming primarily from the NCAA reigning sacks leader out of Texas Tech.
2025 NCAA Sack Leader Targeted by Jets in the NFL Draft
After fielding the second-worst scoring defense in the league in 2025, the New York Jets took the initiative to improve head-on. They’ve successfully added through all three levels. The defensive line gained defensive tackles David Onyemata & T’Vondre Sweat. In addition, the linebacker room gained reinforcements through veteran Demario Davis as he enters his third tenure with the team. Finally, the secondary gained Pro Bowl cornerback Nashon Wright & the revamped safety room led by Minkah Fitzpatrick. Now, the rebuild reaches its most crucial stage as the NFL Draft draws near. Possessing the second overall pick, New York can choose many talented defenders to help them.
Primarily, the consensus believes Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese is the favorite for the number two pick. While he lacks experience as an edge rusher, his combination of speed & versatility makes him coveted. However, he’s not the only edge rusher that can help change the Jets fortunes. Entering 2025, David Bailey transferred from Stanford to Texas Tech. In one year, David Bailey not only led college football in sacks but also played a crucial role in the Red Raiders reaching the College Football Playoff. Can the edge rusher usurp Reese and become the second overall pick?
David Bailey, linebacker, Texas Tech, 2026 NFL Draft prospect
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) sacks Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) in the first half at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
David Bailey’s road to becoming a top draft pick
A native of Orange, California, defensive end David Bailey shone at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. After being pursued by multiple schools, Bailey committed to Stanford University. Arriving in Stanford, the Orange County defensive player of the year started as a true freshman. Bailey impressed right away, finishing his freshman season with 46 total tackles, including eight and a half tackles for loss. As a sophomore, Bailey doubled his sack total from two and a half as a freshman to five. After a seven-sack season along with five forced fumbles, Bailey entered the transfer portal at the end of his junior year.
In April of 2025, Bailey committed to play for Texas Tech his senior year. Arriving in Lubbock, Texas, Bailey thrived under the guidance of head coach Joey McIntyre. Bailey ended the year with a career high 52 total tackles, which included 19.5 tackles-for-loss and an NCAA-leading 14.5 sacks. Along the way, the Red Raiders secured their first College Football Playoff appearance in school history. Alas, the Red Raiders fell to the Oregon Ducks in the Orange Bowl.
David Bailey 9 TKL, 1 SCK, 2 PD, 2 TFL vs Oregon College Football Playoff Quarterfinal, 2025.
Where does he get drafted?
pic.twitter.com/z8F81MxH5R
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) March 27, 2026
David Bailey’s Fit on the Jets
Bailey possesses a lot of skills that should allow him to potentially match his college production at the next level. He can attack offensive tackles with his burst and adjust by attacking angles. His explosive first step should allow minimal error on initiating against pass protection. He’s also able to adjust his hips allows him to win matchups and get to the pocket with ease. However, he’s not without his faults. While Bailey is a great pass rusher, he’ll need to refine his approach against the run if he wants to succeed. As well, some scouts are concerned with his size. At 6’4″, Bailey should hopefully add more size as his 250+ lb frame will lose some match-ups.
If Bailey is to join the Jets, it’d be in his best interest to be eased into the starting outside linebacker job. While he could earn his way to becoming a three-down player, the Jets have a similar player to Bailey in Will McDonald IV. While McDonald has improved with 18 sacks over the last two years, like Bailey, McDonald also struggles against the run. Fortunately, New York does have a decent contingency plan in this scenario. With the duo of Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs, New York has two starters on the defensive line to allow David Bailey to ease into the starting role. After signing Joseph Ossai & Kingsley Enagbare, New York has depth at outside linebacker. As a result, Bailey can work closely with defensive line coach Karl Dunbar to refine his approach. If selected, the Jets have an environment in place to maximize Bailey’s impact in New York if all works out.
Main Photo: [Michael C. Johnson] – Imagn Images