Jets bolster defense with two standout rookies for 2024 season
The New York Jets have added two promising rookies to their defence this season. David Bailey, the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft, signed a four-year contract worth around $54.7 million. Meanwhile, cornerback D'Angelo Ponds has drawn comparisons to Jets legend Aaron Glenn for his playing style.
David Bailey arrived from Texas Tech, where he recorded 14½ sacks in his final season. The Jets plan to use him as an outside linebacker, defensive end, and in pass-rushing situations. He will wear No. 31, the same number he has used since high school—and the same one Aaron Glenn wore during his Jets career.
Glenn, the team’s first-round pick in 1994, played most of his time in New York with that number. He expressed pride when D’Angelo Ponds, the newly drafted cornerback, was likened to him. Ponds, in turn, could earn substantial playing time in the Jets’ secondary as a rookie. Bailey’s deal is fully guaranteed, securing his place on the roster for years to come. Both newcomers bring fresh energy to a defence looking to strengthen its pass rush and coverage.
The Jets now have two young defenders ready to make an impact. Bailey’s versatility and Ponds’ potential in the secondary add depth to the team’s defensive unit. Their arrival marks a new phase for a franchise aiming to rebuild its defence.
