The New York Jets held another eventful training camp practice on Thursday. The biggest takeaway was the performance of rookie defensive end David Bailey.
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft was consistently disruptive and in the backfield during Day 2.
Bailey recorded three would-be sacks at practice and added additional quarterback pressures throughout the practice, according to reporters in attendance. The former Texas Tech standout was described as completely unblockable. Starting guard Joe Tippmann admitted Bailey has been a total handful for offensive tackles Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu.
Thursday's session was the final Jets practice of training camp without pads. The mood and intensity will totally change this weekend when the Jets hold
their first padded practice of camp. It finally starts to simulate real football, so it'll be worth monitoring Bailey's progress once preparation for the regular season officially begins.
The Jets drafted Bailey to help transform a pass rush that was totally ineffective by ranking 31st in the league last season. The athletic pass rusher has displayed dynamic first-step explosiveness at training camp so far. Iron sharpens iron, and both Fashanu and Membou have been tested by Bailey's athleticism.
The second day of practice felt like Bailey's coming-out party. Hopefully he builds on the performance this weekend once padded practices arrive and increases the intensity.
David Bailey just bull rushed Armand Membou AND Breece Hall to get a sack.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) July 30, 2026
He’s looking dominant today.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 NFL season.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: David Bailey is already showing his potential at Jets training camp
