David Bailey of the New York Jets is the betting favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year for 2026, with +350 odds, followed by Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles at +500. The Jets have a history of Defensive ROY winners, and Bailey’s 2026 selection marks the highest defensive draft pick in Jets history. The team chose him to address a (previously) poor sack rate, as Bailey led college football in sacks (14.5) and was a standout pass rusher. At 22, he projects as a future star, though run-stopping concerns have supporters debating how well he’ll hold up against the run. Jets head coach expects any issues to be coachable. 🗽🏈🔥
