The New York Jets' decision to draft EDGE David Bailey at No. 2 overall in the 2026 NFL draft was always going to be closely analyzed. In fairness, every rookie ever drafted with a top-two selection is monitored weekly. It's true that Bailey isn't playing particularly well for the Jets right now.
Bailey arguably played his quietest game versus the Chicago Bears in Week 4. The former Texas Tech standout was credited with producing a season-low one quarterback pressure. Bears right tackle Darnell Wright easily won the majority of reps. Perhaps the Jets should have done a better job moving Bailey around the formation in search of better matchups.
Bailey registered sacks in Weeks 1 and 2, but in truth, they were hustle/effort plays. They weren't traditional
pass-rushing wins. Bailey didn't record a sack in Weeks 3 or 4, and his overall production has been significantly muted in consecutive contests.
Pro Football Focus measures pass-rushing wins via their WIN% metric (Percentage of "wins" vs Blocking on non-penalty Pass Rush Snaps). Nine rookie edges have played enough qualifying snaps. Bailey ranks 8th with a win-rate of 5.4%. Only Rueben Bain Jr. (2.4%) has been worse. By comparison, five rookies are above 11%, with Malachi Lawrence leading the way at 20.5%.
On the bright side, Bailey's 11 pressures is tied with Cashius Howell for the league-leading amount among all rookies. He's one of three rookie EDGEs with multiple sacks.
It's fair to be worried about Bailey's recent form, but it's far too early to panic. The second overall selection has flashed high upside on certain reps. Becoming a more consistent pass rusher is Bailey's next goal.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Should you be worried about Jets rookie EDGE David Bailey?
