New York Jets rookie edge rusher David Bailey picked up his first NFL sack in a preseason shutout victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers Friday night, showcasing why he was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
As they say, it’s only the preseason, but in one play Bailey took a bit of pressure off himself by applying the heat on Steelers quarterback Will Howard, resulting in an 11-yard loss on a third-down play. For a young player with high expectations who NFL Mocks listed as the Jets’ most important rookie, it was a relief for Bailey to get a good play under his belt.
“Sometimes I’m a little bit hard on myself,” Bailey said postgame. “You never know how things are going to play out, so I was super relieved to go out there and make a play.”
The key for Bailey early in his career is making those types of plays once the regular season starts. As our bold prediction suggests, Bailey has a chance to put together a memorable and potentially historic first season in the NFL, and his sack of Howard Friday night may have boosted his confidence and readiness heading into Week 1.
David Bailey's explosive first step is already showing up
Once he settles in, like he did Friday night while getting past Pittsburgh starting tackle Broderick Jones, Bailey has the defensive DNA to be a menace against tackles and offensive linemen across the league, just like he was at Texas Tech, where he led the nation in sacks in 2025.
first of many for the No. 2 pick
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 21, 2026
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One of the attributes that put Bailey in the conversation as a top-five pick was his explosive first step off the snap. Bailey pointed to that explosiveness as a catalyst in getting to Howard on the play that delivered his first NFL sack.
"I was trying to get the best get-off possible, bull-slip," Bailey said. "Honestly, I really didn't do much film study on him. I didn't really know what he was going to throw so I just went to my go-to [move]."
That is where Bailey can become scary for opposing offensive tackles. His explosiveness gives him an immediate advantage off the snap, but his ability to combine that burst with power and different pass-rush moves can make it difficult for blockers to anticipate how he will attack.
What David Bailey must improve as a Jets rookie
Bailey has the talent to be an effective pass rusher, but he will be that much more dangerous when he plays with confidence and utilizes his array of moves. He can also impact both the passing and running game even when he doesn't penetrate the backfield and wreak havoc in the pocket. Although the ceiling is high, there are areas where Bailey can improve.
As a defensive standout who will be counted on to get to the quarterback consistently, he will need to balance his aggressiveness with patience and discipline. He will also need to show he can be effective against the run as a stand-up linebacker setting the edge.
As for Friday’s big play, Jets fans have to be encouraged. Bailey's first NFL sack was only a preseason moment, but the explosiveness, tenacity and pass-rush ability behind it offered a glimpse of what could be ahead for the Jets' prized draft selection.
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