Jets' Karl Dunbar shuts down the narrative around David Bailey's biggest weakness

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn completely reshaped the coaching staff this offseason. One of his best hires was defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, who came over from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Dunbar is known for being an excellent coach and developer of defensive linemen. Dunbar back with the Jets is a reunion, as he was New York's defensive line coach from 2012 to 2014. He has some big responsibilities, as he will be vital for the development of David Bailey in his rookie season.

Dunbar spoke to the media on Wednesday and talked about Bailey's reported flaws against the run, but expressed that he doesn't care about it. In large part because of how well Bailey can rush the passer. But he also revealed that the team is coaching him up in that department, per The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt.

"Don't care. Can he rush the passer? Have you been seeing what we're doing? We're teaching him how to do what? Play the run. Because you've got to earn the right to rush the passer. If you don't stop the run, they're not going to throw the ball."

Karl Dunbar

Bailey's run defense was a major topic of discussion leading up to the draft, but Dunbar is making it clear he isn't worried.

Karl Dunbar isn't pressed about David Bailey's run defense

A lot of things can be improved with proper coaching, and that's what Dunbar believes will happen with Bailey. As he alluded to, you have to earn the ability to get after the quarterback, and that starts with shutting down the run.

Bailey has played football for a while now and understands that. It's a different ball game in the NFL, and it sounds like they are coaching him hard in that area.

Dunbar has had plenty of success developing defensive linemen. That list includes Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Jared Allen, and Kevin Williams. Even some former Jets like Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, and Damon Harrison thrived under Dunbar. They all have different body types and play styles, but were productive under Dunbar.

He has built a resume for getting the most out of his defensive linemen. They know that Bailey can rush the quarterback at a high level, and his college stats show that. In 46 collegiate games, he had 163 total tackles, 42 TFLs, and 29 sacks, including an NCAA high 14.5 sacks in 2025.

Bailey has a lightning-quick first step with multiple moves in his chamber to beat opposing offensive linemen. One of his best traits is his ability to chase and close on quarterbacks.

He has the pass rush plan to contribute from Day 1, but it's his run defense that will make him a well-rounded player. And based on Dunbar's comments, he's not concerned about that in the slightest, which should have fans excited.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow