NEW YORK — With their first pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Jets selected what could be their future defensive cornerstone.

At No. 2 overall, the Jets select Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey.

He became the highest-drafted defensive player in Jets history.

After selecting a tackle in back-to-back drafts (Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou), Gang Green chose Bailey, 22, who was the most productive pass rusher in the nation last season. He led the FBS in sacks (14.5) while also finishing with 19.5 tackles for loss. After the Jets traded Jermaine Johnson to the Titans for T’Vondre Sweat, adding a pass rusher was a must for a Jets defense that finished with the second fewest sacks last year (26).

Ahead of his pro day in Lubbock, the Jets had dinner with Bailey. He is a 6-3, 250-pound pass rusher who uses his excellent first step and someone who uses his acceleration to win matchups against offensive linemen at the line of scrimmage. He also has an amazing bend that helps him get around blockers, along with a variety of pass-rush moves.

The Jets finished 25th in yards and 31st in points allowed last year. They also became the first team in NFL history to go the entire season without registering an interception. In addition, they were also the first team in league history to lose their final five games by 23 points or more. In the midst of that, the Jets fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks after just 14 games.

After making several staff changes, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn will be the team’s defensive playcaller moving forward. He is also expected to use a hybrid defensive system incorporating both 3-4 and 4-3 elements. Bailey will join fellow defensive players Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare, who were both signed this offseason.

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