Texas Tech hasn't been known for producing star defensive players in the NFL. However, David Bailey might soon change that narrative.
The rookie pass rusher is turning heads in training camp for the New York Jets. In fact, he's been so impressive that some who follow the Jets believe he could be the best defensive rookie in the NFL this season.
The Bailey hype train left the station last week when the Jets held a joint practice against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to reports, he registered a sack of Tampa QB Baker Mayfield while repeatedly winning his one-on-one reps against the Buccaneers' tackles.
"I’ve been covering the Jets for five seasons," wrote Zack Rosenblatt of The NY Times following the scrimmage with Tampa Bay, "and the NFL for nine. In that time, I’m not sure I’ve seen a rookie that was appointment viewing quite like Bailey."
However, it was Bailey's edge that drew the most talk after he instigated multiple skirmishes. That included picking a fight with 6-foot-5, 312-pound Tampa tackle Luke Goedeke.
In the Jets' first preseason game, the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft was held to just one tackle on eight snaps played. However, he repeatedly drew double-team blocks from the Tampa offensive line, a sign of the respect Bailey has already garnered from opponents.
Now, it is fair to wonder if Bailey will see any more action in the final two preseason games on the Jets' schedule. He's already shown that he's ready to step into a major role for his team, and there's no point in risking injury in meaningless games.
Bailey could start a new trand for Texas Tech defesive players in the NFL
It has been a long time since a Texas Tech product shined on the defensive side of the ball in the NFL. That's no surprise given how poor the Red Raiders have been defensively over the past two decades.
In fact, no Texas Tech defensive product has been selected to the Pro Bowl since Zach Thomas in 2006. However, linebacker Jordyn Brooks has twice led the NFL in tackles and was a 2025 NFL All-Pro honoree.
Still, former Texas Tech defensive standouts like Tyree Wilson, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Broderick Washington, and Dakota Allen have failed to become stars on Sunday. That trend could soon change for Tech products.
Rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is fighting for a starting spot with the Miami Dolphins, and fellow rookie Lee Hunter is expected to make a splash with the Carolina Panthers. Similarly, the buzz about Romello Height in San Francisco has been positive thus far. What's more, many are projecting current Texas Tech corner Bryce Pollock to be a first-round pick in the 2027 draft.
Other current Red Raiders such as Ben Roberts, John Curry, and A.J. Holmes all may have bright NFL futures. On top of that, the program is bringing in talented national recruits like 2026 signee LaDamion Guyton and 2027 overall No. 1 recruit Jalen Brewster, two five-star recruits who will be expected to play at the next level.
As Texas Tech continues to invest in the defensive side of the ball under the current coaching staff, the results on Saturdays will be refreshing for fans. What's more, there will be a wave of defensive products to jump from Lubbock to the NFL. David Bailey is already on his way to making a splash, and he could be the first of many Texas Tech defenders to become stars at the game's highest level.
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