Jets Encouraged to Select Texas Tech Star David Bailey Second Overall

David Bailey could hear his named called with the second overall pick.

Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Texas Tech star edge rusher David Bailey enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the top prospects. 

With less than a month left in the draft, it is more than likely that Bailery will hear his name called within the first five picks of the draft. He's established himself as one of the more elite edge rushers. Because of that, many teams high in the draft will look at Bailey as a potential pick. 

While many mock Bailey inside the top 10, NFL analyst Brian Baldinger believes his skill set should land him with the New York Jets at No. 2 overall. 

Baldinger made his case for Bailey at No. 2 overall in his more recent appearance on NFL Network.

"The best choice is David Bailey," Baldinger said when discussing who he would take at No.2 overall. "If you go by how I like to build a team, you get the quarterback first, then you go get the guy who could get after the quarterback, and the Jets need that guy. Regardless of how Aaron Glen's defense is going to look, they need edge rushers, and I believe David Bailey is the best edge rusher in this draft. He's got the best first step, he went up against the best competition this year, and he showed that he is the guy for the job right here. I think the Jets can start to rebuild this team and this defense with David Bailey coming off the edge right now. 

"I feel like David Bailey would be a great choice at number two. You could flip a lot of these guys up. The Jets have a lot of needs, but I believe we should build that defensive front first, and we'll get to the rest of where they need help second."

Is David Bailey the Next Elite Pass Rusher to Enter the NFL?

Bailey has all the tools to be an elite pass rusher at the next level. Hailing from Irvin, California, he stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 251 pounds. The Red Raider was incredible in his first and only season in Lubbock. 

In 2025, Bailey earned First-team Associated Press All-American. Big 12 Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year, Newcomer of the Year. He was also named a finalist for the Lombardi Award (nation's top lineman).

Bailey's stats were next level, tying the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks, ranked second in 19.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles in 14 games with 13 starts. 

The 22-year-old stands out as a high-level playmaker, showcasing rare short-area quickness and reactive agility. He pairs that with strong pass-rush instincts, consistently reading blockers’ sets and reacting quickly, while also displaying the ability to work through redirect blocks and stay on his path to the quarterback.

According to NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein, Bailey's NFL comparison is Nik Bonitto. 

"Bailey is extremely hard for linemen to stay in front of. He moves like a slashing two guard, blending explosiveness and fluidity to slip, bend and flow around blocks from multiple angles. His leverage and lower-body flexion create game-over scenarios once he reaches pocket depth with even a minor lead. He can be stalled when a blocker latches his hands in deep, but Bailey’s elusiveness and suddenness make clean clamps a relative rarity. He’s instinctive with natural mid-rush counters, but he must continue developing hand usage and crafting rush plans for when protection shifts his way. Teams can run at Bailey due to his lack of anchor and take-on presence, but his work-around quickness will also lead to tackles for loss. His draft grade is slightly tempered by a lack of desired size/length, but the explosiveness and athletic talent is truly elite. His sack production should carry over to the NFL as an odd-front rush linebacker with Pro Bowl upside." 

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