David Bailey drawing strong draft buzz in NFL award conversations

The New York Jets didn’t hesitate when the opportunity to land David Bailey presented itself. He seemed to be their favorite early, and that didn't change one iota when we all reached the 2026 NFL Draft.

Selecting Bailey near the top of the Round 1 wasn’t just about potential. It was about production and projection.

Pass rush translates. It always has. Here we are. It's only May, but early conversations about next January have already begun. ESPN's Ben Solak released his 2026 NFL Rookie of the Year predictions. Bailey is already generating serious attention, and Solak, like many others, views him as a player capable of making an immediate difference.

"The highest drafted edge rusher with the highest pass-rushing ceiling, Bailey is an easy candidate for the top of the list. His running mates on the edge (Will McDonald IV, Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare) are dangerous enough that Bailey won't see disproportionate double-team rates. As a splashy pass rusher with average run defense, he figures to save his legs for premier rush downs, which will inflate stats like sack and pressure rates. As long as the Jets aren't always trailing and facing clock-chewing offenses, Bailey should produce eight-plus sacks."

That’s because his role is clear. Get after the quarterback. He's going to play early, and he's going to play often. Unlike many rookies who need time to carve out a role, Bailey steps into a situation where his responsibilities are defined. He doesn’t need to learn multiple positions or fight for rotational snaps. He just needs to win, and if he does, the numbers will follow.