David Bailey hasn’t played a snap that counts for the Jets yet, but the buzz around him is already getting loud.
The rookie defensive end has turned heads in training camp, and one of the people singing his praises is Jets running back Will McDonald, who was especially impressed by Bailey’s defensive instincts. That kind of attention fits the profile of a player who arrived with real expectations after terrorizing offenses at Texas Tech and earning Unanimous All-American honors.
Bailey enters the season as the No. 2 pick, so the spotlight is going to stay on him. He’s not being asked to rescue the franchise, but if he becomes a major piece right away, that would naturally put him in the conversation for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
New York Post reporter Brian Costello is already treating Bailey like someone who belongs in a different tier from the usual rookie crop.
“Bailey's the real deal. I think you guys have done this long enough with me now that I don't throw praise around that easily, especially with rookies,” said Costello.
He went even further by comparing Bailey to some Jets players who made their presence felt immediately.
“There are some guys you see, and they're different. The guy who I'll always remember is Sheldon Richardson.
"Bailey's the real deal!"@Briancoz has high praise for the Jets rookie on Gang's All Here. pic.twitter.com/QqopGm1VHt
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) August 6, 2026
You saw him, and he was different. Jamal Adams was different right away.
Sauce (Gardner) and Garrett (Wilson) were different. There are guys who come in as rookies, and you see it, like, ‘Yeah, this guy.'
I put Bailey in that category.”
Gardner and Wilson were the Jets’ Defensive Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year, respectively, in 2022. Wilson is now in his fifth year with New York, while Gardner is with the Indianapolis Colts.
Costello also pointed to the traits that could let Bailey make noise early: size, speed, agility, and pure explosiveness. He said Bailey would make mistakes like any rookie, but the talent jumps out immediately.
“If you were an alien dropped on the field, and you're picking the best players, you'd pick him because he's just explosive, he's got a lot of moves, and he's got more power than I thought,” added Costello.
The Jets begin their preseason on August 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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