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Jets select David Bailey with No. 2 overall pick

sportsApr 23, 202616396

The New York Jets selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Bailey, a Mater Dei High School product from Orange, California, paced the FBS with 14.5 sacks and a 21.3 percent pressure rate while posting 19.5 tackles for loss and 81 total pressures. New York made the pick to address a defense that surrendered 503 points in 2025 after struggling to generate consistent pressure. Bailey's twitchy, technical rush traits and proven backfield disruption give the Jets an immediate pass rush upgrade and a clearer path to improving their run defense.

Key Highlights

Jets select Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with No. 2 overall pick.
Bailey led FBS with 14.5 sacks and a 21.3 percent pressure rate.
Jets surrendered 503 points in 2025, prompting a pass rush upgrade.
3 sources
nbcsports.comJets select David Bailey with second overall picksny.tvJets GM Darren Mougey addresses canceled Top 30 visit with NFL Draft prospect David Baileyduncan-drafts.ghost.ioDavid Bailey Prospect Profile

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