Jets draft pick David Bailey expected to lead NFL rookies in this defensive stat

The New York Jets did not get enough from their pass rushers last season. They finished 31st in the league with only 26 sacks in 2025, despite having two former first-round picks coming off the edge.

Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald had their moments, but both were inconsistent throughout stretches of the season. It's why, instead of opting to extend Johnson in the final year of his rookie contract, they dealt him to the Tennessee Titans.

In free agency, the Jets added Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare, two veterans who will play useful rotational roles on New York's defensive line.

But the real star? No. 2 overall pick David Bailey. The Jets are hoping he's the key to taking their pass rush to another level, and he should have the opportunity to make a real impact in his rookie season.

Jets' David Bailey predicted to lead rookie defenders in sacks for 2026 season

ESPN's Mike Clay predicted the total statistical output for every major rookie entering the league in 2026, and he predicted Bailey would have at least 7.5 sacks next season, the most of any first-year player.

The number seems small, but in recent NFL history, rookie pass rushers have not stuffed the stat sheet in terms of sacks. But that doesn't mean they won't necessarily have an impact.

"Rookies are averaging 106.0 sacks per season over the past decade, but the past two seasons (84.5 in 2024 and 100.0 in 2025) have been far below that average. That's especially relevant considering that five edge rushers were drafted in the first round this year (all listed above) and is the reason why none of them is projected to clear 7.6 sacks. "

Mike Clay

Sacks aren't always the perfect measurement for a pass rusher's impact. Take 2025 No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter, for instance. He only had four sacks last year, but that number doesn't do justice to the type of impact the New York Giants pass rusher had.

According to Pro Football Focus, Carter was the 10th-best pure pass rusher in the NFL last season, earning a pass rush grade of 84.5.

Bailey could have the same type of impact on opposing quarterbacks, even if he isn't finishing the job with a sack.

According to Clay, 7.5 sacks would rank in the top 25 among first-round defenders over the past five seasons, so while the number may not be large, it would still be impressive.

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