David Bailey Goes Ahead of Arvell Reese

What They're Saying

Shane Hallam, DS film guru: “Bailey is the draft’s best pure pass rusher. … He’s a safer option than Ohio State LB Arvell Reese. … Bailey won’t give you much against the run, but he pretty much dominated this class’ top OTs.”

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, in his final mock draft: “Pairing him with Will McDonald IV gives the Jets two fastballs off the edge, mirroring the team GM Darren Mougey previously worked for in Denver.”

2026 Fantasy Football Impact

Bailey leads this class in career sacks per game and ranks second in career TFLs per game, trailing only Clemson’s T.J. Parker.

Bailey’s draft capital says he should find an immediate role. That concern about his run defense, though, could limit his playing time -- especially at the beginning of his career. Any limitation on that front would obviously carry the risk of cutting into his stat production.

We’ll watch for word from Jets coaches on Bailey’s initial role and, of course, track his early usage. Don’t over-invest on the rookie for 2026 IDP leagues.

Dynasty Impact

Bailey obviously ranks among the top edge/sack options in this year’s class but doesn’t appear to match the ceiling of some other recent studs (such as Houston’s Will Anderson Jr. and Detroit’s Aidan Hutchinson).

Bailey will be worth an early look in sack- and pressure-friendly IDP scoring systems. But exactly where he makes sense will depend on the specifics of your format. Check your Draft War Room to gauge his value.

That value will also depend some on whether your league-hosting site designates him a D-lineman or LB. Bailey would play better in fantasy as a DL in nearly all cases. See where he lands in our IDP rookie rankings.