Jets insider just gave fans massive hope for David Bailey’s rookie season

Less than a month ago, New York Jets rookie David Bailey was going under the radar to the point where it felt like he was the least discussed No. 2 pick in nearly a decade.

Bailey hasn’t needed long to propel himself to the forefront of Jets conversations, and for the right reasons. He’s consistently earned rave reviews throughout his first training camp, with daily positive reports from on-site media.

The New York Post’s Brian Costello has seen enough to declare that even those unfamiliar with basic human culture would be amazed. 

“If you were an alien dropped on the field and you’re picking the best players, you’d pick him,” Costello said. 

“He’s just explosive,” Costello continued. “He’s got a lot of moves; he’s got more power than I thought. … I’ve seen him blow up some plays in the backfield.”

The David Bailey hype train should have New York Jets fans salivating

Outside of Cade Klubnik, Bailey is arguably the most anticipated rookie among Jets fans. He seemingly overtook Ohio State All-American edge rusher/linebacker Arvell Reese in the pre-draft process, and his arrival came with inherent risk, as is often the case with defensive players going No. 2.

But at least through the first week-plus of training camp, Bailey is proving that he can handle whatever the expectations are. As Costello pointed out, Bailey has frequently stood out in stopping the run, which was considered one of his weaker skills ahead of the draft.

“Some guys you see, and they’re different,” Costello explained, subsequently naming Sheldon Richardson, Jamal Adams, Sauce Gardner, and Garrett Wilson as specific examples. All but Adams won Rookie of the Year, though he more than made up for it with two All-Pro appearances in his three Jets seasons.

Barring an injury, Bailey should draw the Week 1 start against Robert Saleh and the Titans. Considering how badly the Titans failed to protect Cam Ward last season, the matchup bodes extremely well for the Jets’ newest pass-rusher.

The fears of Bailey becoming the next Vernon Gholston also appear to be finally on their way out. Jets fans have every reason to be skeptical of Bailey given how many busts they’ve seen over the last two decades, with Gholston and his inability to record a sack atop the list next to Zach Wilson.

Jets coach Aaron Glenn has not confirmed how much Bailey will play in the preseason. However, it stands to reason that he’ll play in at least two of the three games, depending on how Glenn wants to handle his starters. 

But if you’re feeling good about Bailey’s chances of having an impressive rookie season, then you’re definitely not alone. And, at this point, the Jets should take every reason to be optimistic going into Week 1. 

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