Jets’ Will McDonald is loving what he’s seeing from David Bailey so far

The New York Jets haven’t won many games in recent years, but they’ve embarked on a rebuild that is starting to pay off. The Jets have had loads of early draft picks in recent years, including two first-round selections in 2026. Most notably, the team took David Bailey with the second overall pick.

The rookie was the consensus best edge rusher in this class, and he was fresh off a 14.5-sack season at Texas Tech. The Jets will rely on him to become one of the very best pass rushers in the NFL, and his quarterback-pressuring running mate, Will McDonald, sees the vision.

McDonald was a first-round pick of the Jets in his own right in 2023, and he already has 21.5 sacks through three seasons. The former Iowa State player sees greatness in his rookie teammate.

“It’s pretty cool, [Bailey’s] going to probably be one of the best defensive linemen that I know,” McDonald said. “He’s still learning, and I learn things off of him, but he is also improving.”

“He’s going to be one of the best defensive linemen I know”

Will McDonald on David Bailey pic.twitter.com/rMsOSkSKW6

— SNY Jets (@snyjets) August 6, 2026

The Jets ranked second-to-last with just 26 sacks all of last season. If they are going to take the jump from league bottom dwellers to postseason contenders, then they need to make life harder on opposing quarterbacks. Bailey was drafted for just that reason, and so far through training camp, the Texas Tech product has showcased why his potential is so sky-high.

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