1 insane stat shows how David Bailey could rescue Jets defense fast

The New York Jets surprised some when they made the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, picking Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey instead of Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese. While some preferred Reese's all-around game, the Jets fell in love with Bailey's ability to get to the quarterback.

This Jets team was in dire need of a pass rusher that can give this team the shot in the arm they needed, as last year's Jermaine Johnson-led crew was just not good enough. From the moment Bailey steps onto an NFL field, his ability to get to the quarterback will enable him to wreak havoc.

Last season, all of the Jets' edge rushers combined for 15 sacks and 112 pressures. Eight of those 15 sacks came from Will McDonald, and six of them came in two games against the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers. Bailey, meanwhile, is a major supercharger for this defense.

By himself last season, Bailey matched those 15 sacks with an absurd 81 pressures. A Jets team that ranked 31st in sacks last season just added a player who put together one of the most efficient pass rush seasons in college football history, and Aaron Glenn has to like that.

David Bailey can change Jets defense with high-level sack production

Bailey's biggest concern is the fact that he isn't a great run defender. When sharing the field with Will McDonald for heavy snaps, pessimists may try to point out the idea that teams will take advantage of the lack of bulk. However, there's reason to be optimistic that both van play together.

The Jets have a strong run-defending defensive line led by new addition T'Vondre Sweat, Harrison Phillips, and Jowon Briggs. GM Darren Mougey is likely looking at his old Denver defense, which domiantes despite Nik Bonnito and Jonathan Cooper on the outside, as a source of inspiration.

McDonald and Bailey will be joined by new free agent acquisitions Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbere off the edge. That crew replacing Eric Watts, Braiden McGregor, and Tyler Baron will instantly make the Jets much more feared on the outside.

Bailey is not a perfect player, but neither is Reese. This team needed juice off the edge in the worst way, and even the biggest Reese fan out there will need to concede that Bailey's ability to get to the quarterback gives him superior upside as a pass rusher.

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