nfl preview 2026 David Bailey’s Jets promise of change feels different than other top draft picks By Brian Costello Published Sep. 8, 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET Jets linebacker David Bailey (31) talks with teammates on the bench. Bill Kostroun/New York Post David Bailey grew up in Southern California, then went to college in Northern California before transferring to school in West Texas.
So, you’ll have to forgive him if he is unaware of Jets history. If you mention the Mud Bowl or the Fake Spike to the 23-year-old, you’ll probably get a blank stare.
Bailey, who was selected No. 2 overall by the Jets in April, is not concerned with the team’s past. He’s out to change its future. When asked about his goals for the 2026 season, he does not mention sack totals or awards.
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“I don’t really have any like particular goals,” Bailey told The Post recently. “Honestly, bro, I wasn’t really too knowledgeable of this program and where it’s been in the past. Hearing that this team hasn’t been in the playoffs in such a long time with such elite people over here in the facility, and just great people over here, it doesn’t really sit right with me.
