Following days of speculation, it is now obvious that the New York Jets have been in love with David Bailey for quite a while. When the organization cancelled its visit with the former Texas Tech and Stanford edge rusher, many people naturally assumed it had shifted its focus to another prospect. Instead, the Gang Green selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He has instantly been designated as a franchise building block, and Jon Gruden understands why.
The former NFL head coach and Super Bowl 37 champion has high hopes for Bailey, as demonstrated by the stellar player comparison he dropped shortly after commissioner Roger Goodell announced the player’s name in Pittsburgh.
“If you get a lead in the fourth quarter, this guy can close you out,” Gruden said on Barstool Sports’ draft show. “This guy’s a jet. He reminds me of Nik Bonitto, {4.5 40-yard dash time}, he’s got surprising pop. I mean this guy is an electrifying edge rusher…. This guy has all the measurable, all the traits. Look at some of the moves he has.”
Coach Gruden just did the unthinkable – made Jets fans excited about their draft pick @Reeses pic.twitter.com/MYdfpDekju
— The Yak (@BarstoolYak) April 24, 2026
Jets fans have suffered on many NFL Sundays over the last decade and a half, so they will be reluctant to throw a parade. However, it is hard to not get even a little excited when the team’s first-round draft pick is being compared to a double-digit sacks producer like Denver Broncos pass-rusher Nik Bonitto.
Despite concerns about his temper and self-control — grabbed a photographer following a loss to Arizona State last October and was ejected for stomping on a player’s helmet in 2024 — Bailey boasts plenty of promise from a football standpoint. He totaled 14.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss and a whopping 73 total pressures last season.
The unanimous All-American and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year thrived on a vaunted Red Raiders defense that led the program to arguably its best season ever. The Jets crave a similar franchise revival, so perhaps David Bailey is the right guy to join their front-seven.
Judging by his glowing praise, Jon Gruden expects this young talent to make an immediate impact on the field.
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