NFL defensive rookie of the year candidate already emerging

The National Football League has barely reached padded practices, and one Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate is already separating from the crowd.

David Bailey looks exactly like the player the Jets believed they were drafting second overall.

Bailey produced three unofficial sacks during New York’s second training-camp practice, repeatedly using his first-step quickness and short-area acceleration to invade the backfield. He followed that with another tackle for loss during a quieter Saturday session, while veteran defensive tackle Harrison Phillips praised how often the rookie has been around the football.

Yes, it is August. No, quarterbacks are not being tackled. I get it. But so what?

This is not a random late-round player winning a few unpadded reps. Bailey led the FBS with 14.5 sacks and a 21.3 percent pressure rate at Texas Tech last season. He finished his college career with 29 sacks. The athletic burst showing up in Florham Park is the same trait that made him one of the NFL draft’s most dangerous defenders.

Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Aaron Glenn does not need Bailey to develop quietly behind established stars. The Jets selected him to become the identity of a defense that desperately needs one. That means immediate snaps, aggressive pass-rush opportunities and the freedom to chase quarterbacks from Week 1, Snap 1.

There will be rough days. Second-year tackle Armand Membou reportedly gave Bailey a more difficult test Saturday, and the real evaluation begins when the pads come on.

Still, Rookie of the Year cases are built on talent, opportunity and visible production. Bailey has a realistic shot at all three.

The Jets have spent years searching for a player who can change a game without help from the offense. They may have found him before August’s first padded practice.