Aaron Glenn raves about Jets rookie David Bailey's best pass-rush skill

Last year, the New York Jets had a clear problem with getting after opposing quarterbacks. They finished with the 31st-least amount of sacks, despite having two former first-round picks off the edge.

That's why this offseason, New York overhauled the position. Out is Jermaine Johnson, in is Joseph Ossai, Kingsley Enagbare, and, of course, No. 2 overall pick David Bailey.

Bailey is the crown jewel of the Jets' new-look pass rush unit, a standing you would expect from the first defensive player off the board in an NFL draft class.

But what is Bailey's best asset as an edge rusher? And what is it exactly that provides the most excitement for the former Texas Tech standout's jump to the NFL?

Aaron Glenn highlights David Bailey's 'first step quickness'

Speaking with reporters after an OTA practice, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn was asked what specifically makes Bailey such a threat as a pass rusher.

"The first step quickness is something that pops off the tape, like immediately. The physical part of it you just can't get as much as you want in that aspect. But you do see the hand usage, you do see the moves he's trying to create."

Aaron Glenn

Bailey's claim to fame throughout the pre-draft process was his designation as the most pro-ready edge in the entire class.

He was college football's sack leader in 2025, recording 14.5 for the Red Raiders, and graded out as Pro Football Focus's fifth-best pass rusher among 852 qualified edges.

He wasn't without weakness, though, as some analysts were quick to point out; he may struggle to stop the run as he transitions to the pros.

Glenn addressed that and said Bailey has plenty of time to work on his weaknesses as the summer program continues.

"This is the time when you want to work on some things that you might not feel as comfortable with – this is the time to work on those things. So, he's working on some of his weaknesses, but you do see the strong points of what he has, and I don't ever want him to lose sight of that, of the things we know that he can do."

Aaron Glenn

If the Jets' pass rush is going to improve in 2026, they're going to need a strong output from the No. 2 overall pick, and with the coaching he is receiving, the hope is he'll break out as a star sooner rather than later.

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