Bailey’s 5.5 sacks already lead all NFL rookies through eight weeks of his career, a staggering performance that also ties him for fifth across the entire league. This guy, who was a unanimous All-American at Texas Tech last season with a Division I-best 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, is proving exactly why he went No. 2 overall. Not only is he dominating the sack count for rookies, but his 26 quarterback pressures are also top among all first-year players, and he is tied for second in the league with three forced fumbles. The Jets got a monster.
Reese and Rodriguez Are Stepping Up Big
It’s not just Bailey lighting it up, though. Arvell Reese, drafted with the fifth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is absolutely living up to the hype. Through eight weeks, Reese is fifth in the NFL in solo tackles with 39, and he is already leading the Giants’ defense in total tackles as a rookie. Then you have Rodriguez, who had one of his best games against the Vikings in Week 4, racking up an insane 18 total tackles, split evenly with nine solo and nine assisted. He has also added a forced fumble and an interception to his resume this season, showing off that all-around play.
Ohio State Rookies Making Immediate Impact
The Buckeyes were well-represented early in the draft, with three players selected in the first seven picks, including linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 7. Styles made his presence felt right from his NFL debut against the Eagles, recording four tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, and a quarterback hit. The highlight? He absolutely bulldozed Saquon Barkley on his way to his first career sack. Styles has kept that momentum going, putting up back-to-back 13-tackle games in Weeks 5 and 6, and adding eight more tackles in Week 8. This DROY race is gonna go down to the wire, with these guys setting the standard early.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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