Jets Grab Bailey, Boost Pass Rush

It's April 24th.

I'm Corey with The Story, and this is El Paso News today, your AI-powered local news.

The New York Jets kicked off the NFL draft by grabbing Texas Tech Edge-Rusher David Bailey

with a second overall pick on Thursday night.

This move brings a serious past rushing threat to a defense that struggled big time last

season, ranking 31st and sacks with just 26 total.

The Jets have a packed early draft slate, holding the 16th overall pick plus the first spot

in the second round at number 33 on Friday, night along with two more in the top 44.

General manager Darren Moogie held steady at number two instead of trading, passing on

other edge options like Ohio State's Arvel Reese.

Bailey, a 22-year-old transfer from Stanford, lit it up at Texas Tech with 14 and a half

sacks, tying for the top mark in college.

Football plus 19 and a half tackles for loss.

He called the Jets an organization on the rise and said he's ready to grind right away.

This pick feels the gap left by Jermaine Johnson, who got traded to Tennessee for defensive

tackle to Vandre Sweat back in February.

Despite canceling a top 30 visit last week, the Jets had solid connections with Bailey

from the combine and his pro day, so no drama there.

Bailey steps in as the Jets top draft choice, marking just the fourth time they've gone

second overall in franchise history and the first since.

Quarterback Zach Wilson back in 2021.

Expect him to hit the ground running and shake up that defensive line.