Story perspectives

Jets Take Pass-Rusher David Bailey No. 2, Add Receiver

4/24/2026

Summary

Jets Draft Rusher

The Jets selected rusher David Bailey at No. 2 in the 2026 NFL Draft, who led the FBS with 14.5 sacks, 81 pressures and a 4.50-second 40-yard dash at the combine.
The Jets drafted end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16 and traded for the No. 30 slot to add receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
GM Darren Mougey said a canceled visit did not affect evaluation, noting the pass rush ranked 31st with 26 sacks after a 3-14 season.

Summary

Jets Draft Bailey

The Jets selected David Bailey, making him the highest-drafted Red Raider in franchise history.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Bailey posted a 10-foot-9-inch broad jump, tenth-all-time among defensive ends.
He ran a 4.50-second 40-yard dash, fourteenth-all-time for defensive ends.
After three seasons at Stanford, he transferred to Texas Tech for 2025, earned unanimous All-America honors and became the first Red Raider named Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year.

History

Historical Context

The NFL's introduction of the common draft system in 1970 transformed player selection, exemplified by the Dallas Cowboys drafting Roger Staubach, who led the team to five Super Bowl appearances. This evolution continues with the New York Jets selecting David Bailey second overall in the 2026 draft, highlighting the increasing importance of collegiate performance in shaping NFL careers.

1 of 3

Jets Draft Rusher

The Jets selected rusher David Bailey at No. 2 in the 2026 NFL Draft, who led the FBS with 14.5 sacks, 81 pressures and a 4.50-second 40-yard dash at the combine.
The Jets drafted end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16 and traded for the No. 30 slot to add receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
GM Darren Mougey said a canceled visit did not affect evaluation, noting the pass rush ranked 31st with 26 sacks after a 3-14 season.

1 / 3