Jets HC Aaron Glenn reveals David Bailey's pass-rushing superpower
Article excerpt
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn singled out David Bailey's distinctive skill set as a pass rusher, revealing what makes the defensive player stand out on film. Glenn's comments underscore the coaching staff's confidence in Bailey's ability to generate pressure off the edge. The endorsement suggests Bailey will play a meaningful role in New York's defense as the team aims to improve its pass-rush production. Glenn's public praise of the player highlights how the Jets are evaluating their defensive options heading into the season.
If you loved the New York Jets' decision to draft David Bailey, recent developments have probably only strengthened your conviction. If you were skeptical, however, the past few weeks may have provided a compelling reason to reconsider.
The rookie edge defender arrived in New York carrying significant expectations after a dominant final collegiate season as part of the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Bailey led the FBS with 14.5 sacks, and that helped establish him as one of the most feared pass rushers in college football.
While he has yet to put on pads as an NFL player, he's already giving the Jets plenty to be excited about. Recently, head coach Aaron Glenn discussed what stands out most about Bailey's game, and his answer came without hesitation.
"The first step quickness is something that pops off the tape, like immediately. The physical part of it, you just can't get as much as you want in that aspect, but you do see the hand usage. You do see the moves he's trying to create."
For pass rushers, there may be no more valuable trait.
Elite edge defenders often win before offensive tackles have a chance to react. That explosive first step forces blockers into recovery mode and creates opportunities to attack the quarterback before a play can fully develop. It's one of the reasons Bailey was viewed so highly entering the draft, and it's clearly one of the first things that caught Glenn's attention. The next step is continuing to become a complete player.
As encouraging as those observations are, the Jets understand Bailey's development won't stop with rushing the passer. Bailey must learn to defend the run before he can fully unleash his pass-rushing talents at the professional level.
Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar jokingly stated he didn't care if Bailey struggled against the run.
Following a few chuckles, he noted the Jets' coaching staff is teaching him to do so because "You've got to earn the right to rush the passer." As he states, "If you don't stop the run, they're not going to throw the ball."
That mindset reflects a common NFL reality. College stars often arrive with one elite skill, but becoming an every-down player requires mastering multiple responsibilities. The good news for the Jets is that Bailey appears to possess the most difficult trait to teach.
Coaches can refine technique, improve discipline, and expand a player's understanding of the game. Pure explosiveness is another matter entirely. Training camp will provide the first real glimpse of how Bailey handles life in pads.
Until then, Glenn's comments offer a strong reminder of why the Jets were so eager to add him to their defense. His first-step quickness isn't just impressive. It may ultimately become the foundation of a highly productive NFL career.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets HC Aaron Glenn reveals David Bailey's pass-rushing superpower