David Bailey Reacts to Joining Jets with No. 2 NFL Draft Pick, Talks Impact on Aaron Glenn's Defense

David Bailey is heading to the Big Apple.

The Ohio State star linebacker was drafted second overall by the New York Jets on Thursday. After being selected by the Jets, Bailey said he's ready to learn from head coach Aaron Glenn and the veterans around him.

"I just want to get in there and be a sponge, soak up everything," Bailey said. "Just rely on the vets, rely on the staff to make me the best player I can and help out this organization. I feel like this organization is trending in the right way, so I'm just ready to work."

There was very little question about whether Bailey would be a top-five pick, but it was unclear what team was eyeing him. The Jets had their options in terms of defensive players with stars like Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs and Rueben Bain Jr., but they ultimately opted to go for the Texas Tech star.

"It's surreal to me, man," Bailey said. "This is a great experience, this is an awesome opportunity. I'm just so grateful."

Bailey spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career with Stanford before transferring to Texas Tech ahead of the 2025 campaign. He had a breakout season with the Red Raiders, picking up 32 tackles and 14.5 sacks, which led the nation.

Bailey was the No. 7 overall player and the No. 2 edge rusher on the final big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

New York certainly needed a player capable of putting pressure on the quarterback. The Jets had just 26 sacks last year, the second-worst mark in the league and the fewest they've had since the 1999 campaign.

New York has plenty of areas to address, but adding a star to the defensive line is an immediate upgrade. Now, the Jets will look to continue adding talent around him.