New York Jets training camp officially opens on July 28, when veterans officially report. However, fans should have July 25th bookmarked when the rookies report. It will be the first time the 2026 Draft class experiences their first training camp together. Especially for the chance to see second overall pick edge rusher David Bailey in action. While Bailey isn’t the only first-round pick who will report, the former Texas Tech Red Raider hopes to maintain the level of play he flashed last fall in college.
For a team that finished second-to-last in the league in sacks last season, getting the NCAA co-sacks leader is a great start to course-correct. Especially when the Jets didn’t generate a single interception, getting after the quarterback makes it easier to generate turnovers. However, David Bailey is still a 22-year-old who hasn’t played a single play yet in the NFL. This season, New York Jets training camp needs to cultivate a great learning environment for him.
Jets Training Camp Must Utilize Mentors to Aid David Bailey
New York Jets are hoping 2026 goes smoother than last season. After finishing 3-14, the team will need to produce some progress to help save head coach Aaron Glenn’s job. This season, Glenn is going back to fundamentals at the Jets training camp. This season, the head coach will return to play-calling duties with the defense. Meanwhile, new defensive coordinator Brian Duker will help with game planning and focus on the secondary’s development. Along with Duker, there will be eight new projected starters on the Jets defense.
The biggest veteran additions were highlighted by the trades for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat from the Titans, as well as veteran free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Alongside free agent additions of defensive end David Onyemata and the return of Jets middle linebacker Demario Davis for a third tenure. However, all eyes are on second overall pick David Bailey after becoming the highest-selected defensive player in team history during the NFL Draft.
Rookie edge rusher David Bailey has exciting potential
David Bailey, the 6’3, 251lb California native, was a force to be reckoned with on the Texas Tech defensive line. The Unanimous All-American edge rusher finished 2025 with 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in his only season as a Red Raider. The Stanford Cardinal transfer bet on himself, and his gamble helped Texas Tech reach the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history. Turning 23 in August, Bailey is still years away from his prime. But if he can maintain this kind of production at this level, he’ll make the team’s gamble worth it with the second overall pick.
Which the New York Jets need this season. Entering the Jets training camp, 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald returns as the team’s sack leader last season with eight. While the production was appreciated, McDonald’s weakness against the run limits his upside as a three-down starter. Not to mention, McDonald was the only player with more than five sacks. (defensive tackle Jowon Briggs finished second on the team with four sacks). Maximizing David Bailey’s impact is of the utmost importance, especially with how consistently New York blitzed last season.
Veterans David Onyemata and Demario Davis must help David Bailey early
With eight new starters on defense, the New York Jets training camp is going to be important to establish early chemistry. While David Bailey is entering training camp with high expectations this season, he’s still a rookie. That’s why the veteran presence on both the roster and the coaching staff for his development. Thankfully, he’ll be joined by two respected veterans among the starters. During the offseason, the Jets signed defensive tackle David Onyemata and middle linebacker Demario Davis. Both Davis and Onyemata were joined by Aaron Glenn, who served as the Saints defensive backs coach from 2016 to 2020.
For Aaron Glenn, it adds two familiar faces who can hopefully guide the team to turn around the defense. Entering year 15, Demario Davis is still widely regarded as one of the better middle linebackers in the league. A feat which is nothing short of remarkable ahead of five-time All-Pro linebacker’s age-37 season. Meanwhile, Onyemata, an 11-year veteran, has been one of the better run-stopping defensive tackles in the league for over a decade. Along with 31 career sacks as well. While they play different positions, Davis and Onyemata’s experience is valuable to the second overall pick.
David Bailey picking the brains of two well-respected veterans can be big for his rookie season. Onyemata’s guidance can help alleviate Bailey’s struggles against the run and, hopefully, improve his performance. Not to mention, both Davis and Onyemata played alongside one of the league’s best edge rushers in New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan. Davis and Onyemata, along with head coach Aaron Glenn, passing on to Bailey what they’ve seen from Cameron Jordan’s development can be a great lesson for Bailey’s adjustment to the NFL. In fact, if Bailey can be half as productive as the Saints all-time sack leader, it’d be a major victory for the Jets.
Karl Dunbar is a great defensive line coach for Bailey to work with
Along with established veterans on the field, Jets training camp will afford David Bailey a great opportunity to work with a renowned defensive line coach. During the offseason, the Jets hired veteran assistant coach Karl Dunbar to be their defensive line coach. Entering his 28th year of coaching between the NFL & collegiate level, Dunbar joins the Jets after spending the last eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his career, Dunbar worked with some notable defensive coaches, including Mike Tomlin, Lovie Smith, Rex Ryan, and Nick Saban. In fact, Dunbar was on the Crimson Tide coaching staff in 2017 when they won the National Championship with Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Now, Dunbar is tasked with helping David Bailey, among others on the defensive line, to improve their ability to get in the backfield. During his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dunbar worked closely with the likes of six-time All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, outside linebacker T.J. Watt. With over 25 years of coaching experience, Dunbar is a vast well of knowledge for Bailey to draw on and seek help. Bailey shouldn’t be afraid to pick his coach’s brain and pick up every bit of knowledge he can during Jets training camp.
Dunbar has been enthusiastic about working with David Bailey’s development. Despite concerns over his ability to stop the run, Dunbar is focused on maximizing Bailey’s pass-rushing ability. After finishing second to last in sacks last season, the Jets will need every ounce of Bailey’s ability to create pressure. If Karl Dunbar can make sure David Bailey enjoys a seamless transition into the NFL, the long-term benefits from the second overall pick’s presence on defense can pay off massively for the Jets for years to come.
Main Photo: [John Jones] – Imagn Images
