Jets First-round Pick David Bailey Impressing Early In First Training Camp: 'everything That We Expect Him To Be'

On the second day of Jets training camp, it was the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft who made perhaps the largest impression. 

Edge rusher David Bailey was all over the field, beating offensive linemen multiple times for “sacks.” And even though those should be taken with a grain of salt since the team isn’t even in pads yet and players aren't permitted to make contact with the quarterbacks, it’s still a very positive sign to see the Texas Tech product flying around the field.

“He’s everything that we expect him to be,” said head coach Aaron Glenn. “It will be really exciting once we get the pads on. We understand through these acclimation days that we’re still in shorts, but just being able to see the energy and the speed and the quickness off the edge, and the ability to hold strong on the edge and the way that he wants to play the run game, it’s everything that I imagined from that player.”

Bailey skyrocketed up the draft charts thanks to his 14.5-sack, 19.5-tackle-for-loss season with the Red Raiders in 2025. It’s only two days into training camp, but Bailey’s signature burst off the line of scrimmage is already getting notices, including by some of the Jets veterans. 

“He’s quick. He can move,” said guard Joe Tippmann. “He’s definitely a great player, and from what I’ve seen from him, especially early on as a young guy, he’s impressive. I’m excited to see what he’s going to be able to do for our defense.”

The second practice of training camp, when players are still wearing shells and shorts, doesn’t make a player an All-Pro or a Defensive Rookie of the Year. Even so, the Jets invested a huge draft asset in Bailey, and it’s fun to see him drawing eyes this early into his first pro training camp.

“I think Bailey’s a phenomenal pass-rusher,” said linebacker Jamien Sherwood. "He’s a great person, and, as always, I’m excited to have anybody on the team, but he’s one person who stands out. From the way he walks, talks, the way he approaches his work day in and day out as a rookie, I’m excited to see what he does this season.

“I feel like he has the motor, no matter who it is, to get past them.”