Jets Select David Bailey as No. 2 Overall Pick in the 2026 NFL Draft

David Bailey is set to make his way to Florham Park after all.

On Thursday night, the New York Jets made their choice, selecting Texas Tech’s edge rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick. This decision concluded months of speculation over whether the Jets would choose Bailey or opt for Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese.

Earlier, the Jets made headlines by canceling Bailey’s pre-draft visit to their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey. Many interpreted this as a lack of interest in Bailey. However, this was not the case, as coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey placed their confidence in Bailey by selecting him as their top pick.

Bailey, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday in August, is widely regarded as a superior pure pass rusher compared to Reese. Last season, he led the FBS with an impressive 14.5 sacks and a 21.3 percent pressure rate while playing for the Red Raiders. He also ranked second in the FBS with 19.5 tackles for loss and accumulated 81 pressures.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 251 pounds, Bailey is anticipated by scouts to make an immediate impact in the pass-rushing department. His 4.50-second 40-yard dash and explosive initial burst allow him to swiftly navigate around the edge. He began his college career at Stanford before transferring to Texas Tech, where he graduated in less than four years with a degree in Science, Technology, and Society.

The question about Bailey is how well he will hold up against the run. The Jets already have a similar player in 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald. Can they have two players who are designated pass rushers but liabilities against the run? We’ll find out. 

Bailey was viewed by some as a safer pick for Glenn, who enters 2026 on the hot seat. While Reese was viewed as more of a projection as a pass rusher, Bailey appears more likely to be an immediate factor rushing the passer. 

Bailey is the first of two first-round picks the Jets have on Thursday. They are also slated to pick at No. 16 if they do not trade the pick. The expectation is that they will take a receiver with that spot. The Jets also have two second-round picks (Nos. 33 and 44) on Friday night. 

This year’s draft presents an opportunity for Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey to jumpstart their rebuild after a disappointing 3-14 season in 2025. The Jets are in the midst of a 15-year playoff drought, the longest in North American sports. 

Bailey becomes the first Texas Tech player drafted by the Jets since 2014 when they took tight end Jace Amaro in the second round.