Jets given perfect target at No. 2 after initial wave of free agency

The New York Jets free agency plan was clear from the jump. Raise the floor of the defense with quality veterans that wouldn't break the bank.

Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn certainly accomplished that, bringing in safety Mink Fitzpatrick, linebacker Demario Davis, defensive lineman David Onyemata, and edges Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare.

All the aforementioned players bring a certain level of professionalism and veteran experience that the Jets defense lacked in 2025, but that doesn't mean the unit is ready to make the jump to a top-ranked defense.

The Jets are going to need another star in the mix to fully bring their defense to another level, and they could find him at No. 2 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jets urged to target Texas Tech edge David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick

ESPN's Field Yates analyzed the top-10 teams in the upcoming draft and named their best fits after the initial wave of free agency. For the Jets, he singled out Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey as the ideal pick at No. 2.

"The Jets have maximized their cap space so far...but the work is far from done to fix a weak pass rush, which still needs young talent. No FBS player had more sacks in 2025 than Bailey (14.5), who was a dominant force during his lone season at Texas Tech. He forced a total of eight fumbles over the past two seasons and is one of the most violent disruptors in the class."

Field Yates

You can generally mock any of the big three edge rushers to the Jets, and it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility. Bailey, Ohio State's Arvell Reese, and Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. all make sense as potential fits.

But Bailey's pure pass-rushing ability is what Yates says makes him stand out from the bunch, and the Jets certainly have a need for it.

Last season, the Jets finished dead last in the AFC with 26 sacks on the season, and it's why New York's front office has done its best to overhaul its edges this offseason.

The Jermaine Johnson trade was just the start, and new additions Engabre and Ossai figure to play rotational roles on the defensive front, but the Jets are still lacking a true star off the edge.

Bailey could end up being that star, but there's still a long way to go in the draft process before New York lands on their selection at No. 2 overall.