Jets' David Bailey predicted to have an award-winning rookie season

Jets' David Bailey predicted to have an award-winning rookie season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Jets made three picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, with David Bailey at No. 2, Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16, and Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30.

With those three first-rounders, it would not be a surprise if the Jets had one of those players in contention for an end-of-season award. Of the three, Bailey is the clear best bet to win such an award.

ESPN's Ben Solak also believes Bailey has the best odds to win an award, as he ranked the Jets' No. 2 pick as the favorite to win the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award this season with his pass-rush upside.

Jets predicted to get DROY-esque season from David Bailey

"The highest drafted edge rusher with the highest pass-rushing ceiling, Bailey is an easy candidate for the top of the list," Solak writes. "... As long as the Jets aren't always trailing and facing clock-chewing offenses, Bailey should produce eight-plus sacks."

The Jets' edge rusher taken with the second pick in the NFL Draft is someone who can make an instant-impact in the NFL.

While there was plenty of debate between Bailey and Arvell Reese, Solak's comparison of their Defensive Rookie of the Year chances, with Bailey at No. 1 and Reese at No. 5, shows how the Jets might've made the right call.