Expectations couldn’t be any higher.
New York Jets pass rusher David Bailey is the betting favorite to win the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2026.
“For Defensive Rookie of the Year, New York Jets defensive end David Bailey is the favorite at +350, followed by New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese and Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles both at +500, according to DraftKings odds,” ESPN’s Doug Greenberg wrote.
Could Join an Elite Group
Five former Jets have won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in NFL history:
- Sauce Gardner, cornerback, 2022
- Sheldon Richardson, defensive lineman, 2013
- Jonathan Vilma, linebacker, 2004
- Hugh Douglas, defensive end, 1995
- Erik McMillan, defensive back, 1988
Jets Make History With Bailey Pick
The New York Titans were founded in 1960. In 1963, the Titans became the Jets. Across those 67 seasons, the team had never taken a defensive player higher than No. 3 overall until the 2026 NFL draft.
Bailey became the highest drafted defensive player in franchise history on Thursday, April 23.
Square Peg, Square Hole
It isn’t very difficult to see the Jets’ vision for why they selected Bailey.
Last season, the Jets ranked 31st in the league in sacks. There are only 32 teams in the NFL.
Last season in college, Bailey led the nation in sacks (14.5).
The Jets had a pass-rush problem, so they added the best pass-rusher in the class. That is sound logic.
Bailey, 22, will turn 23 before the official start of his rookie season in 2026.
“A one-year starter at Texas Tech, Bailey was the field-side edge rusher (stand-up and hand on the ground) in defensive coordinator Shiel Wood’s 4-2-5 base scheme. After flashing as a part-time player at Stanford, he joined the Red Raiders for his senior season and became a unanimous All-American, helping the program to its first Big 12 championship and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. Under the watchful eye of outside linebackers coach C.J. Ah You (now with the Pittsburgh Steelers), Bailey finished No. 1 in the FBS in sacks (14.5) and pressure rate (21.3 percent) and No. 2 in tackles for loss (19.5) and total pressures (81),” Dane Brugler of The Athletic wrote in “The Beast.”
The Only Real Big Concern
This is probably generalizing, but most No. 2 overall picks are accepted by their team’s respective fan bases. You can probably disagree on which player should be taken, but that player is typically universally accepted.
That wasn’t necessarily the case with Jets fans. There was a strong contingent that wanted Ohio State defender Arvell Reese instead. He ended up falling to the Giants with the No. 5 overall pick in the first round.
One of the biggest points of consternation among Jets fans is Bailey’s perceived deficiencies in run defense.
“Mediocre anchor and can be moved, especially by doubles and angle blocks … Inconsistent instincts and hand use for quick sheds,” Brugler wrote for The Athletic in “The Beast.”
The Jets already have a starting pass rusher who has run defense problems with Will McDonald. In base sets of the defense, McDonald and Bailey should be on the field together at the same time. That will leave the defense vulnerable on the edges against perimeter rushing teams.
However, head coach Aaron Glenn seemed to downplay those criticisms when speaking with the media. He believes whatever issues exist can be coached out of him.
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