December 06, 2025 Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) during the 1st half of the NCAA Football game between BYU Cougars the and Texas Tech Red Raiders at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas. Matthew Lynch/CSM/Sipa USA (Credit Image: © Matthew Lynch/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA)
The New York Jets have made a big addition to their defense by picking edge rusher David Bailey with the second overall pick at the 2026 NFL Draft Thursday night in Pittsburgh.
Bailey, who played college football at Texas Tech, will add an impact edge rusher, giving the Jets a promising player at a key position. Bailey is 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, and is widely considered to be ready to step in and produce from day one.
The California-native, who is the highest drafted defensive player in team history, finished last season with 52 total tackles, 14.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. He’ll be a good complement to Will McDonald IV, the 15th overall pick in 2023, to make a mean pass-rush duo.
This is the highest pick the Jets have made since 2021, when they took BYU quarterback Zach Wilson, also at second overall. That pick didn’t turn out the way they wanted, as Wilson is already on his fourth NFL team.
The Jets won’t wait long to pick again as they hold the 16th overall selection. They also have two second-round picks with the 33rd and 44th picks. There are still plenty of holes to fill on this roster, but this haul of early picks should help.
The Bailey selection follows the Las Vegas Raiders taking Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. The Raiders will be looking for Mendoza to repeat the magic he displayed last year, when he led the team to the National Championship.
The Jets went 3-14 last year, haven’t had a winning season since 2015, and haven’t made the playoffs in 15 years, the longest streak in the NFL. They’ll be hoping that the addition of two first-round picks tonight, including Bailey at second overall, will help kickstart their rebuild.
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