Which outside linebacker did the Jets take with the No. 2 pick in 2026?

David Bailey was the outside linebacker selected by the New York Jets with the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Bailey entered the draft as an edge rusher after playing at Stanford and Texas Tech. He began his college career at Stanford before transferring to Texas Tech for the 2025 season, where he became one of the country’s most prominent defensive prospects. The Jets selected him second overall, making him one of the first two players chosen in the class.

His résumé included unanimous All-American recognition in 2025 and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year honors. Although listed in different contexts as an edge rusher, defensive end or outside linebacker, these labels describe related pass-rushing roles in modern defensive schemes. That terminology can create confusion in trivia questions.

Bailey was not the same player as Arvell Reese or Sonny Styles, two other highly regarded defensive prospects from the 2026 class. He was also selected before the Jets’ later draft choices, giving New York a premier front-seven building block.