Aaron Glenn shuts down Jets fans' biggest David Bailey concern

When it was still a question of whether the New York Jets would select David Bailey or Arvell Reese with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, there were a few aspects of each player's game that fans and analysts pointed to as weaknesses for both prospects.

For Reese, it was how raw he was as a prospect. Despite being projected as a full-time pass rusher, he didn't do it all that much at Ohio State, even if he was incredibly productive on his pass rush snaps.

On Bailey's side of things, it was his perceived one-dimensional skill set. The former Texas Tech star may have recorded the most sacks in college football last season (14.5), but can he provide some assistance in the run game?

Of course, the Jets eventually decided on Bailey, and New York clearly understands what the No. 2 overall pick's strengths and weaknesses are. But how does Aaron Glenn feel about his new edge's ability, or inability, to stop the run?

Aaon Glenn downplays David Bailey's biggest weakness

Speaking with reporters at rookie camp on Friday, Glenn was asked about Bailey's one-dimensional play style on defense, and he downplayed the notion that the No. 2 overall pick can't assist in the run game.

Via The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, Glenn told reporters he has "no concerns" with Bailey's run defense and claimed "there's evidence on film" of the former Red Raiders setting the edge.

The Jets' head coach then praised the No. 2 overall pick for his athletic ability and quick first step that got him drafted so high in the first place.

"Once he got on the grass, you can tell he has the first-step quickness that we all knew. He's going to be an exciting guy to coach."

Aaron Glenn

Despite Glenn's insistence, there is reason to be concerned about Bailey's transition to a plus-run defender in the NFL. He wasn't the best at it in college.

According to Pro Football Focus, Bailey had a run defense grade of 76.4 last season, grading out as the 164th-best run defender in college football among 852 qualified players.

Can Bailey improve on that in the pros? Absolutely. But he'll have to prove it on the field first.

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