New York Jets rookie David Bailey lauds DL coach Karl Dunbar

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New York Jets rookie David Bailey lauds DL coach Karl Dunbar

Originally posted on Jets X-Factor | By Connor Long | Last updated May 8, 2026 10:19 PM ET

Rookie minicamp is underway. The multi-day series of workouts at the New York Jets’ practice facility in Florham Park, N.J., kicked off on Friday.

It is the first opportunity for the organization’s draft class to work with the team’s coaching staff.

Speaking to reporters following workouts on Friday, No. 2 overall pick David Bailey praised the Jets’ defensive line coach, Karl Dunbar.

“He’s a great coach, and he does a great job teaching,” the defensive end said of Dunbar.

"He's a great coach, and he does a great job teaching."

David Bailey on #Jets defensive line coach Karl Dunbar.
— Nick “Mike Farrell” Faria (@Nick_Faria1720) May 8, 2026

Dunbar will play a major role in Bailey’s growth at the NFL level, most notably as a run defender. There is no doubt that the Texas Tech product can rush the passer, after he led the FBS with 14.5 sacks and 72 pressures last season.

While his run defense certainly needs to grow in the pros, who better to work with than one of the NFL’s most established defensive line coaches in the league? The veteran coach Dunbar has built a reputation for getting the most out of his players.

From turning T.J. Watt into one of the league’s top players to turning third-round pick Alex Highsmith into a player capable of logging 10 sacks each season, Dunbar has proven a lot as a coach.

Jets fans should know that firsthand from his first stint with the team (2012-14).

In Dunbar’s eight seasons as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive line coach, Pittsburgh led the NFL in sacks with 392.

Now, he looks to bring that over to New York while helping develop younger players like Bailey.

This article first appeared on Jets X-Factor and was syndicated with permission.

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