2026 NFL Draft: The Book on Texas Tech Edge David Bailey

There is always a place in the NFL for a high-motor pass rusher with cat-like quickness and an exceptional closing burst. Given the importance of disrupting the quarterback’s rhythm and timing in a passing league, it is easy to understand why teams are buzzing about Texas Tech’s David Bailey as the premier edge rusher in the 2026 draft class. 

The 6-foot-4, 251-pound Bailey terrorized opponents in the Big 12, displaying a freakish array of pass-rush maneuvers that showcased his ability to "bend and burst" around the corner. Additionally, his ability to elude and evade blockers with various "dip-and-rip" maneuvers and spin moves kept opponents guessing about how to neutralize the sack machine on the edge. 

The All-American finished the 2025 season with 14.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss and 52 total tackles for the Red Raiders, all career bests. Bailey recorded at least a share of a sack in 11 of the team’s 14 games. Plus, he amassed 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in the five games the Red Raiders played against teams that finished the season ranked in the AP Top 25. 

David Bailey closes in on Oregon QB Dante Moore during the College Football Playoff quarterfinal in January. In the game, Bailey had nine tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and two passes defensed. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

In his lone season at Texas Tech, Bailey notched 81 total pressures, nearly eclipsing his production as a three-year player at Stanford (91 total pressures, 14.5 sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss). While his significant increase in production with the Red Raiders will prompt scouts to dig deeper into his development at Stanford, Bailey's consistent dominance will pique the interest of coaches and scouts