The New York Jets made three selections in the first-round of the NFL Draft, and the one that drew the most attention was their selection of David Bailey.
They took the edge rusher from Texas Tech over the hybrid linebacker/pass rusher Arvell Reese out of Ohio State. It was one of the more anticipated decisions of the draft, and will be a huge storyline with Reese going to the New York Giants three picks later.
However, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini, the Jets might already have a problem with Bailey, as there is a facet of his game that's not coming along right now.
Jets might have a David Bailey problem
"Rookie edge rusher David Bailey is learning that life in the NFL is hard work, that he simply can't rely on the natural gifts that made him such a prolific pass rusher in college," Cimini writes.
Aaron Glenn revealed that Bailey is "working on some of his weaknesses," which isn't exactly the most encouraging thing to hear from the team's No. 2 overall pick, especially since he was meant to be the more pro-ready edge rusher.
Cimini revealed the Jets coaching staff want's Bailey to work on some power moves and even a spin move to try and become an even better pass rusher.
But that's not all that Bailey is struggling with right now. His run defense, which was a concern coming into the NFL Draft from his college struggles against the run, is still something the Jets are working on.
"Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar downplayed those concerns, but it will be hard to play him on first and second down if he's a liability against the run," Cimini writes.
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While Bailey had 14.5 sacks during his 2025 season with Texas Tech, and has the pass-rushing chops to be great in the NFL on passing downs, the Jets need him to be more than that.
The Jets didn't take Bailey with the second pick in the entire NFL Draft for him just to be a pass rusher on third and fourth downs.
He needs to be better against the run and have the ability to play on all four downs in the NFL. There's a lot of potential with Bailey, so it's way too soon to be concerned.
But, there's no denying that right now, the Jets do have a bit of a problem with Bailey as he tries to develop some more pass-rushing moves and also improve his run defense.
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