David Bailey — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

In the past four months, the Jets have traded both tackle Quinnen Williams and edge Jermaine Johnson II. So Bailey, arguably the best pure pass rusher in this draft, would give New York a new foundational piece on the defensive line.

A busy free agency period has the Jets' defense in an improved place compared with the end of last season, with the team adding linebacker Demario Davis and two edge rushers (Kingsley Enagbare and Joseph Ossai). But New York should still draft for value at this spot.

Bailey happens to thread the needle of taking a player with a grade commensurate with the No. 2 pick and at an area the team must continue to invest in. His 14.5 sacks in 2025 was tied for the most in the FBS, as he plays with a lightning-quick first step and an aggressive approach to pass rushing. No Jets player had over eight sacks last season.

Adding Bailey to a front with Josh Sweat would give the Cardinals a nice 1-2 punch on the edge. They could also consider tackle here, but Bailey is a better prospect.

There's a lot of buzz about the Titans using this pick to take Jeremiyah Love after a defense-heavy free-agency period, but most of those signings are solid, complementary pieces. It's much more difficult to find a game-wrecking edge than it is a productive running back. The reigning Super Bowl MVP is a running back who just left his team. Yes, Cam Ward needs more skill around him, but the Titans can do that starting with the next pick (and preferably in the form of a pass catcher). Affecting the other quarterback is the move here. — Joe Rexrode

There's smoke with the Titans taking Jeremiyah Love, and the Titans still need more playmakers around Cam Ward even after splurging on Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency. I would rather have the rebuilding Titans continue to add to their trenches rather than a running back at this point in their process. Robert Saleh loves investing heavily into his defensive lines, and Bailey would give him a flamethrower to rush the passer and a different flavor than their current set of maulers. And there's the added benefit that the rest of the Titans' line will help insulate Bailey in the run game. Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers, and Bailey is a lot of heat to throw at offenses when they try to throw the ball.

Aside from acquiring Smith, Gang Green spent a fair amount of money in free agency — including on edge players Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare. But neither is going to strike the fear of God into opposing quarterbacks. Bailey, a Stanford grad, came into his own with the Big 12 champion Red Raiders in 2025, tying for first in the FBS with 14½ sacks while leading the field with a 20.2% pressure rate and mixing in 19½ tackles for losses. Bailey is scheme diverse, which could also be a boon for a team switching to a three-man front and one that also recently offloaded DE Jermaine Johnson II, who was optimal for Tennessee's 4-3 defense.

With few young, established pass rushers on the roster, New Orleans could use some fresh legs off the edge. Bailey gives the Saints a true fastball to throw at opposing offenses.

In my January mock draft, I had Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese here. In February, I went with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Now, it's Bailey. These are all good options for a defense that could use a lot of help, but the Jets really need an instant impact edge rusher. They were 31st in sacks last season (26) and traded Jermaine Johnson, further thinning out the unit. They have to find foundational players off the edge. And Bailey is explosive and productive, posting 14.5 sacks (tied for first in the FBS), 71 pressures (second) and a 20.2% pressure rate (first) last season.

There's a lot of hype around Bailey, and rightly so. This guy is a game-wrecker, and he had a tremendous year in his lone season at Texas Tech. Bailey led all power-conference players in sacks and tackles for loss this past season. The Cardinals need help wherever they can get it, and Bailey will do that.