David Bailey's glowing OTA review suggests he will impact Jets defense on Day 1

The New York Jets have brought in multiple veteran additions of note during the 2026 NFL offseason, but the non-Geno Smith addition that may have the greatest impact on the win-loss record is No. 2 pick, David Bailey. After picking him over hybrid linebacker Arvell Reese, Bailey is expected to be a key starter for Aaron Glenn's defense.

Bailey needs to show Jets fans that he is worthy of being the highest-drafted player in franchise history, which would require him to immediately provide the juice New York lacked last season. All signs point to Bailey hitting his stride and showing the rest of the NFL that he has something to prove.

Rich Cimini of ESPN said that Bailey's "first-step quickness jumps out even to the casual observer" at OTAs, while also mentioning that left tackle Olu Fashanu said Bailey was "meant to be an edge rusher." Even when going at around 75% intensity without fully padded practices, Bailey's athletic traits are impressive to his new teammates.

Jets No. 2 pick David Bailey draws praise for speed at OTAs

Cimini did note, however, that Bailey will need to improve his pass rush plan as it pertains to using power and getting a bit more effective at defending the run. However, the Jets were aware of those issues when they drafted him, and they seem more than willing to let him work on his shortcomings in that area.

Bailey is in a much better developmental ecosystem than what a Jets team that ranked 31st in sacks last season would have provided. Not only does he have tremendous depth on the defensive line around him with offseason additions like T'Vondre Sweat, David Onyemata, and Joseph Ossai, but he will be coached by well-renowned defensive line guru Karl Dunbar.

Bailey also has the benefit of working against one of the best young tackle tandems in the NFL, as Fashanu at left tackle and Armand Membou at right tackle should give Bailey a major crash course in what it will be like to fight off NFL-level tackles. If he surprises against players like this, he could continue to thrive when the games start counting for real.

Bailey busting would be a huge black mark on Darren Mougey's resume, but the very limited early returns suggest that New York will have a very explosive pass rusher that is constantly improving as a key cog of their defense for the next few years.

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