Aaron Glenn and Jets May Have Snagged the Defensive Rookie of the Year

The New York Jets are in total rebuild after closing out the 2025-26 season with a 3-14 record and near the bottom of the league.

First year head coach Aaron Glenn isn’t off to a great start with the franchise, but in his defense, it was in shambles when he took it over. But let’s keep things positive.

The Jets nailed their 2026 NFL draft class, and one of their picks could be the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

More sports news: DeAndre Hopkins Puts Joe Burrow Atop His Quarterback Wish List

Ben Solak of ESPN released a roundup of his thoughts on the various picks from the draft, he names new Jets edge-rusher David Bailey a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year.

“The highest drafted edge rusher with the highest pass-rushing ceiling, Bailey is an easy candidate for the top of the list,” he stated. “His running mates on the edge (Will McDonald IV, Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare) are dangerous enough that Bailey won’t see disproportionate double-team rates.”

He adds: “As a splashy pass rusher with average run defense, he figures to save his legs for premier rush downs, which will inflate stats like sack and pressure rates. As long as the Jets aren’t always trailing and facing clock-chewing offenses, Bailey should produce eight-plus sacks.”

More sports news: Raiders Lost at Sea: When Was the Last Time They Were Relevant in the NFL?

Why It Matters: Bailey Could Make the Difference for the Jets

With that 3-14 record from last season, it’s obvious that the Jets have a lot to improve upon ahead of the 2026-27 season. So, one player isn’t going to make or break this team.

But, adding Bailey was absolutely critical for the team’s defense. Glenn knows defense. He was the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, after all.

While Bailey can’t do it alone, having an edge who’s strong enough to perhaps even being named Defensive Rookie of the Year could be a difference-maker for the team.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 3, 2026 at 5:45 PM.