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Jets Draft Texas Tech Edge Rusher No. 2, Target Playoff Return

4/25/2026

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Summary

Jets Draft Bailey

The New York Jets selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 draft.
Bailey, who led the FBS with 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in 2025 and earned All-American honors, becomes the highest-drafted defensive player in Jets history.
Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn said the three first-round picks address key needs and aim to end the franchise’s 15-year playoff drought.

Summary

Sadiq Drafted

Kenyon Sadiq was selected by the New York Jets in the draft after initially thinking the call was a prank until coach Aaron Glenn confirmed it.
He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, the fastest by a tight end in 14 years.
His sister lives in New York, making the selection personally meaningful.
He is only the fourth Oregon player ever drafted by the Jets, the first since 2006.

History

Historical Context

The Jets’ 1998 turnaround began when they signed running back Curtis Martin on March 20 1998, a poison-pill deal that cost New England two draft picks and helped New York post a 12-4 record, its best ever and first division title since 1970. The 2026 No. 2 selections of David Bailey and Kenyon Sadiq echo that strategy of using top picks to revive the franchise.

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Jets Draft Bailey

The New York Jets selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 draft.
Bailey, who led the FBS with 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in 2025 and earned All-American honors, becomes the highest-drafted defensive player in Jets history.
Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn said the three first-round picks address key needs and aim to end the franchise’s 15-year playoff drought.

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