New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn's second season has produced a 2-5 record, with four of the five losses decided by one score, including a Week 7 defeat to the previously winless Miami Dolphins that has renewed scrutiny of his job security. The team's 2026 NFL Draft class, headlined by the No. 2 overall selection of Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey, is now under evaluation as a potential factor in the franchise's trajectory.
Pass-rush investment at No. 2
The Jets debated between Bailey and Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese for months before choosing Bailey, viewed as the more refined pass rusher. Through seven games, Bailey has recorded 26 pressures and 5.5 sacks — three against the Cleveland Browns — according to TruMedia. His 15.4% pressure rate ranks 11th among players with at least 150 pass-rush snaps, though his average time to sack of 3.62 seconds is below average. Bailey plays with maximum effort but would benefit from developing a more diverse rush plan rather than relying on post-spin moves and edge swipes. In the run game, he shows power and occasionally stacks blockers, yet sometimes sacrifices gap integrity. He has played 81.3% of defensive snaps, establishing himself as a full-time starter. Analysts project his ceiling as a high-end No. 2 pass rusher, a role that could be complemented by the Jets' three first-round picks in the 2027 draft.
Addressing the passing game
After the 2025 season, New York's lack of viable pass-catching options beyond Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell dominated local sports talk. The Jets used picks No. 16 and 30 on Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., respectively, after previously investing first-round capital in offensive tackles Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou. A run on tackles after Sadiq's selection left the Jets choosing between Cooper and other available players such as wide receiver Denzel Boston and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. Cooper, who has appeared in only three games due to injury, has posted back-to-back 100-yard receiving performances and ranks among the top five rookie receivers in yardage. He excels against zone coverage but is more limited versus man-to-man assignments. His 9.3 yards after catch per reception leads all rookies with at least 10 catches, well ahead of Zachariah Branch's 6.4. Sadiq, who missed most of training camp recovering from a hernia injury, has played all seven games. He is a willing and physical run blocker and a natural pass catcher who attacks zone coverage, averaging 6.3 yards after catch per reception — third among rookies.
Long-term outlook positive
None of the three first-round selections appear to be mistakes. All have contributed immediately and project as long-term starters. Bailey and Cooper profile as complementary pieces, while Sadiq may possess a higher positional ceiling. Durability will be critical: Cooper has been limited to three games, and Sadiq's hernia issue bears monitoring, though injuries were not a concern during his college career at Oregon.
