Rookies to watch: David Bailey leads the defense list the Jets missed

The Jets played Sunday without David Bailey, the No. 2 pick who leads all drafted rookies with 5.5 sacks, and gave up 38 points in a 38-33 home loss to the Raiders. Bailey was listed as doubtful Friday with a groin injury and did not appear in ESPN's box score. He still tops our first Monday list of defensive rookies to watch, because nobody in this class has done more damage. Every number here comes from ESPN's season stats through Sunday's Week 8 games.

1. David Bailey, edge, Jets (No. 2 pick). In seven games he has 5.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. The question for this week is simple: is he back for the Jets' next game?

2. Arvell Reese, linebacker, Giants (No. 5). Reese has 56 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four passes defended and an interception. He shows up in every column of the box score.

3. Hezekiah Masses, cornerback, Raiders (No. 175). A fifth-round pick leads all drafted rookies with three interceptions and has seven passes defended. He broke up a pass in Sunday's win over the Jets.

4. Sonny Styles, linebacker, Commanders (No. 7). Styles made eight tackles in Washington's 27-10 Sunday night win over the Eagles. He has 54 tackles, a sack, an interception and a forced fumble on the year.

5. Gabe Jacas, edge, Patriots (No. 55). Jacas had 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hits in New England's 24-19 win at Miami. That gives him three sacks and an interception this season.

6. Caleb Downs, safety, Cowboys (No. 11). Downs has 52 tackles and three forced fumbles, tied with Bailey for the most among drafted rookies.

7. Brandon Cisse, cornerback, Packers (No. 52). Cisse leads drafted rookies with eight passes defended, tied with Buffalo's Davison Igbinosun, and has an interception and 1.5 sacks.

Keep an eye on: Titans linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. made 14 tackles at Cincinnati and has 82 for the season, the most of any drafted rookie.

Here's the RANT take. Bailey is the best defensive rookie in football, and the Jets just showed what they look like without him. Masses is the steal of the class until somebody proves otherwise, and Styles is already the centerpiece of a Washington defense that just held the Eagles to 10 points. Watch Bailey's practice status this week and whether Masses keeps getting thrown at.