Kayden McDonald's long wait in the NFL draft green room ends with tears and a new job in Houston
Kayden McDonald finally drafted by Texans after emotional wait in green room.
The New York Jets selected David Bailey, an edge defender from Texas Tech, with the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This marks the beginning of the Jets' draft journey following the Raiders' selection of Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 pick.
The New York Jets started their 2026 NFL Draft journey with David Bailey.
The Texas Tech edge defender was selected by the Jets with the No. 2 overall pick, unofficially starting the 2026 draft. It was known Fernando Mendoza was going to be the No. 1 pick to the Las Vegas Raiders. The first quesiton was answered with Bailey heading to New York.
Considering the upside and draft stock with Bailey, you'll want to get to know him now.
Here are six things to know about Bailey:
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Jets landed the player that led the FBS in sacks (14.5) and pressure rate (21.3 percent) while he finished second in total pressures (81) and tackles for loss (19.5) in 2025. That earned Bailey unanimous All-American, first-team All-Big 12 and the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year.
David Bailey, an edge defender from Texas Tech, was selected as the No. 2 pick by the New York Jets.
David Bailey plays as an edge defender.
The Las Vegas Raiders had the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Fernando Mendoza.
David Bailey played for Texas Tech before entering the NFL.
Kayden McDonald finally drafted by Texans after emotional wait in green room.
Mark Ingram's son steals the show with 'Steelers still suck' during Ravens draft pick announcement
Raiders select Arizona safety Treydan Stukes at No. 38 in the NFL Draft.
Cubs aim to extend winning streak against Dodgers on April 24
Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes history as NBA Most Improved Player!
Duke's Cameron Boozer declares for the 2026 NBA Draft after a stellar season!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Oct 5, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) yells the play during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images
Prior to heading to Texas Tech, Bailey was recruited out of Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, CA. The school has a football program with a history of NFL products and is the only high school in the country to have produced three Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks.
One of the other most recent success stories is Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. The two were teammates there.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Bailey will be playing in New York. That became clear on Thursday.
Prior to the pick, things were up in the air.
During a pre-draft event, Bailey discussed head coach Aaron Glenn and how the Jets would use him. That conversation also involved Bailey not remembering general manager Darren Mougey's name.
On top of that, the Jets canceled Bailey's top-30 visit before the draft. A curious choice, especially since Bailey admitted he had "limited interaction" with the Jets as well.
But evidently none of these things mattered.
Nov 18, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; California Golden Bears running back Jaydn Ott (1) runs with the football against Stanford Cardinal linebacker David Bailey (23) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
While drafted out of Texas Tech, he was playing there as a graduate student in 2025. That choice clearly worked out for Bailey as he was the No. 2 pick.
Prior to that, Bailey played at Stanford... and graduated. He earned his bachelor's degree from Stanford in science, technology and society in 2024.
Bailey is a prospect that kept quiet during the pre-draft lead up. That probably helped his stock. According to Bailey, he even stayed away from looking at any mock drafts:
After being drafted by the Jets, he was asked about... pizza.
And Bailey will need some help in New York.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 7 things to know about Jets' No. 2 pick David Bailey