Jets land Texas Tech edge Bailey with No. 2 pick

The New York Jets selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, betting on his prolific college production (29 sacks over four seasons, including 14.5 sacks and 19.5 TFL at Tech last year) and strong combine showing (4.50 40). Bailey, who earned first-team All-American honors and Big 12 DL of the Year, expressed gratitude and eagerness to work, emphasizing the rush moment's impact and his readiness to contribute. The pick makes him the Jets’ highest-drafted defensive player since 1967 and the first Tech edge drafted by the Jets in the common-draft era, with hopes of pairing him on the edge with Will McDonald IV to bolster the defense.