Texas Tech’s David Bailey is emerging as one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, particularly among edge rushers, after a stellar season in the Big 12. Bailey has made headlines by leading his team with 13.5 sacks and achieving an impressive pressure rate that fluctuated from 19.9 percent to a remarkable 28.4 percent during the season.
Despite being undersized at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Bailey’s strength and explosiveness off the snap are qualities that NFL teams are likely to find attractive. His combination of skillful pass-rushing techniques and physical power positions him to be effective in a 3-4 defensive scheme. These attributes will be crucial for his adaptability and potential impact across different defensive setups in the NFL.
Bailey’s relentless pursuit of quarterbacks has earned him high praise, with ESPN’s Matt Miller ranking him among the top 20 prospects in the latest evaluation of NFL talent. Miller points to Bailey’s explosive first step and high motor as factors that will make him a formidable presence at the professional level. After transferring from Stanford, Bailey quickly made an impact, leading all FBS players with 13.5 sacks and recording an impressive 62 pressures—second-best in the nation. His ability to engage effectively with offensive tackles, leveraging strength and technique, has been key to his success, tallying 18.5 tackles for loss this season.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, several teams are likely to seek a pass rusher of Bailey’s caliber. The Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Commanders, and Dallas Cowboys are all potential fits, each looking to bolster their defenses with a player who has shown exceptional performance and potential.
The Bengals are keen on acquiring a disruptive edge rusher to complement their existing roster, particularly as they transition from veteran players. Pairing Bailey with 2025 first-round pick Shemar Stewart could form a promising duo on the Bengals’ defensive line. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are in need of youth at the position, especially with key players set to hit free agency, making Bailey an attractive option if higher-rated prospects are unavailable. Lastly, the Dallas Cowboys, equipped with two first-round picks, are likely to consider Bailey among other top talent, especially as they seek to replace the dynamic impact of Micah Parsons.
With teams eager to find that standout edge rusher, David Bailey’s impressive collegiate performance could very well launch him into the first round of the draft and secure a significant future in the NFL.