ESPN’s curious David Bailey take should leave Jets fans livid

David Bailey’s “welcome to the NFL” moment isn’t facing an All-Pro left tackle or getting blindsided by a tight end.

It’s instead realizing that, by playing for the New York Jets, he’s opened himself up to being snubbed and disrespected.

ESPN seemingly has it out for Bailey and the Jets’ highly regarded rookie class, and it’s still unclear why.

First, it was cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, a second-round pick and likely starter. ESPN’s Field Yates recently omitted Ponds from a list projecting which non-first-round rookies will have the greatest Day 1 impact.

Ben Solak followed in Yates’ footsteps, though in a subtle way that readers might not have even noticed.

ESPN’s Ben Solak took a veiled shot at Jets rookie David Bailey

Rather than outright criticizing Bailey, Solak instead went with a backhanded compliment for the No. 2 pick and the Jets' defensive line.

When evaluating the NFL’s 10 most significant positional upgrades this offseason, Solak listed the Jets’ defensive line as an honorable mention. That in itself isn’t the problem.

Solak noted that the Jets prioritized the trenches this offseason, adding the likes of Bailey and former Bengals pass-rusher Joseph Ossai. However, Solak also referenced the March trade of Jermaine Johnson II and last season’s Quinnen Williams move.

“It's certainly a deeper group,” Solak wrote, “but I'm not sure there's a clear plus starter anywhere (besides 2025 breakout Jowon Briggs, one of the league's best-kept secrets).”

We must establish that Solak did not limit the groups to veteran signings or trades. Giants linebacker Arvell Reese and Browns offensive tackle Charles Fano are among the rookies who earned a specific mention.

Yet, Solak doesn’t see Bailey potentially being a “plus starter,” even as a rookie?

What are we considering a plus starter? Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter only had four sacks last year, but placed fifth in pass-rush win rate. Would he have qualified as a plus starter in Solak’s eyes?

Does ESPN have a legitimate problem with the Jets?

Given the fact that Bailey went No. 2 and should start from the jump, it’s difficult to understand a platform like ESPN not even offering the dreaded forced optimism.

Ponds being left off Yates’ list still boggles the mind, even more so when factoring in that he’s expected to start, whereas others who made his rankings are projected backups or rotational players.

Had Solak purely focused on trades and offseason signings, we’d be having a much different conversation.

Except, Solak did include rookies, and Bailey was the first non-quarterback taken.

Bailey was the only top-5 skill player not featured in Solak’s actual list. Reese, Cardinals running back Jerimyah Love, and Titans receiver Carnell Tate — and their respective position groups — all earned a mention.

Does Solak expect Love to be a plus starter on a rebuilding, dreadful Cardinals team? Bailey certainly has a better chance, even given the Jets’ many issues.

ESPN has loved clowning on the Jets dating back to the "Butt Fumble," and their recent stretch of ineptitude has only increased the rate of low blows.

At some point, though, there needs to be a clear, objective analysis rather than these bizarre omissions and sly jabs.

If and when Bailey and Ponds put themselves on the map as rookies, we’ll see whether ESPN reverses course and gives them their flowers.

Based on recent weeks, though, you’ll understand our natural skepticism.

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