The New York Jets, after an offseason filled with new acquisitions on both sides of the ball, will look completely different heading into the 2026 NFL season.

One of the most important additions this offseason was the selection of star EDGE David Bailey in the first round of the most recent NFL Draft, as the 22-year-old pass rusher will be a significant help to a defense that failed to create turnovers last season. Luckily for Jets fans, Bailey has already made a name for himself throughout the course of the offseason.

When asked about Bailey on Wednesday, Jets’ left tackle Olu Fashanu gave high praise to the team’s first-round pick, stating that he believes Bailey “was meant to be an EDGE rusher.”

“David has been really good so far; he’s going to be a great player,” Fashanu claimed. “I feel like there are just certain guys that were meant to play specific positions, but you can tell that David was meant to be an EDGE rusher. It feels very natural with the way that he rushes; he knows how to get to his spot, he knows how to put a lot of pressure on your inside edge or your outside edge, so going against him has been really good work.”

Bailey, as the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, was one of the best pass rushers in college football during the 2025 season.

After spending his first three seasons at Stanford, the talented defender entered the transfer portal and landed with the Texas Tech Red Raiders prior to last season, a move that played a key role in his massive rise in stock. In his final college season, Bailey recorded 52 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles, which led to him being selected with the second pick by the Jets.

Standing at 6-foot-3, 251 lbs., Bailey possesses a rare blend of size and speed that allows him to be a force on the defensive line. His ability to use his speed off the line of scrimmage and his stout frame as a bull rusher will keep opposing offensive tackles on their toes, since his style of play features multiple ways to apply pressure on quarterbacks.

In addition to receiving praise from some of the offensive players, newly signed defensive tackle David Onyemata also told reporters on Wednesday that it has been “great to watch” Bailey in action this offseason.

“Being around [David] since he’s got here, it’s been great,” Onyemata stated. “Him and [Darrell Jackson Jr.], the young guys coming in long and quick as well, so it’s been great to watch.”

With general manager Darren Mougey trading away 2022 first-round pick Jermaine Johnson II earlier this offseason, Bailey has an opportunity to have an immediate impact on the Jets’ defense heading into the 2026 season.

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