Ht/Wt:6' 4"/251 lbs
Position: EDGE
School: Texas Tech
Class: Senior

David Bailey's Player Profile

Bailey played at Stanford before transferring to Texas Tech, where he exploded as a primary pass?rush threat and helped anchor one of the country’s most productive defensive fronts. He brings a compact, powerful frame around 6?3, 6?4 and roughly 250 pounds, with long arms and a remarkable first?step that routinely beats tackles off the snap. He wins largely with speed to power, quick inside spins, and a violent, attacking style that not only generates sacks and tackles?for?loss but also collapses the pocket and forces hurried decisions. Evaluators like his ceiling because his raw athleticism and motor combine to create a defender who can change the feel of a game when he’s on the field.

Strengths: His biggest strengths are his out?of?this?world first?step explosiveness and his ability to rush with a refined, multi?move arsenal that lets him convert speed into power and keep offensive tackles guessing.

Weaknesses: His biggest weaknesses are his relatively narrow frame and limited anchor strength, which can make him vulnerable against the run and double?teams, and a tendency to over?pursue that can lead to blown gap assignments and cutback lanes.

Mel Kiper - ESPN - January 21st: "He had 14.5 sacks over three seasons for the Cardinal, and he matched that total in 2025 alone after notably becoming more of a finisher this season. His 20.2% pressure rate was the best in the nation -- despite actually being lower than it was in 2024 (22.2%) and 2023 (22.1%)."

Walt - Walter Football- January 20th: "David Bailey is a fast edge rusher with great potential."

Gordon McGinness - PFF - January 19th: "Bailey's 81 quarterback pressures in 2025 led all FBS edge defenders, and while he's not as refined a prospect as Penn State’s Abdul Carter was last year, he is more than good enough as a pass rusher to be worthy of a top-five selection."

Josh Edwards - CBS Sports - January 19th: "David Bailey had 14.5 sacks and three forced fumbles last season for the Red Raiders."

NFL Draft Buzz- January: "Bailey enters the draft as one of the premier pass-rushing talents available, a designated third-down weapon who will contribute immediately while developing into a potential three-down starter with proper coaching. His first-step quickness and bend around the arc are genuine NFL traits that translate directly to Sundays, and the 23.4% pressure rate he's posting suggests he can win against quality tackles when asked to rush."


Click here to return