David Bailey has officially arrived at New York Jets headquarters.
Courtesy of an X video from NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, the Jets’ freshly minted No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft was spotted arriving at the Jets Atlantic Health Training Center on Friday afternoon.
Bailey, 22, was chosen by the Jets on Thursday night, a selection after the Las Vegas Raiders commenced Day 1 with Fernando Mendoza.
The Texas Tech standout collected 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in 14 games this past season for the Red Raiders. Following three seasons at Stanford, Bailey transferred and put forth an extremely productive season, which catapulted his NFL draft stock.
After months of debate and speculation, most of which centered on comparisons to now-New York Giants’ defender Arvell Reese — who was chosen No. 5 overall — Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn opted for the Big 12 edge defender.
Now, about 12 hours after the primetime selection on Thursday, Bailey walked up to the front doors at Florham Park, N.J. Chairman Woody Johnson was the first to greet one of the newest young Jets.
New York also selected Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (No. 16) and Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (No. 30, courtesy of a trade-up with the San Francisco 49ers) in the first round.
Day 2 isn’t expected to be as action-packed, though anything can still happen. After sending No. 33 overall to the Niners as part of the trade-up deal to snag Cooper, the Jets’ lone pick Friday night is No. 44 (Round 3).
Day 2 of the 2026 NFL draft is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET.
