Texas Tech could be right here for good if their 2025 season is their indicator. They have landed some main recruits, transferred in enormous names within the portal, however this season is the catalyst, and it is due to their protection. While Jacob Rodriguez will get all of the shine for being the chief on this Red Raiders protection, EDGE David Bailey might need been their finest participant. He’s being mocked as the highest go rusher prospect within the class, however what does his 2026 NFL Draft scouting report appear to be? Let’s discuss it.
Bailey, a former four-star recruit out of the famed Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, gained CalHiSports Defensive Player of the Year his senior season after posting 15.5 sacks, serving to the Monarchs go undefeated, successful a state title. Bailey ended up being the third-best edge rusher within the nation and would decide to Stanford, beginning 9 video games as a real freshman. After three nice seasons for the Cardinal, he would switch to Texas Tech. He would dominate the Big 12, ending with 13.5 sacks, second finest within the nation, and earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors in addition to a consensus All-American nod.
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The upside with David Bailey is limitless. He’s a long-limbed prospect with an unbelievable first step off the road. It additionally seems that he is out of his stance and within the deal with earlier than the blocker is out of his stance. He can swap gears seamlessly, going from velocity strikes to energy counters with ease. He has counters for nearly something thrown at him. His nice knee bend together with his velocity permits him to bend down and slide previous tackles. Surprising vary when it comes to dropping into zone protection. If his blocker permits him to get house early and start to not far away, there isn’t any recovering primarily based on his velocity.
He has energy in his higher physique, however there are main considerations centered on decrease leg power. He struggles to anchor in run assist, typically being pushed again after first contact. While he has added muscle since his time at Stanford, he could be at his restrict for gaining weight at simply 250 lbs. If his crew is dealing with an influence run offense, there’s an actual likelihood he struggles mightily and even does not see the sector until on passing downs. Can be over-aggressive at occasions, resulting in open lanes round him, which is not going to fly on the subsequent degree.
David Bailey’s upside actually places him close to the highest of the category when it comes to EDGE prospects. While the declare he is the highest prospect at his place is steep, he nonetheless earns a late first-round grade. He’s received each software you possibly can ask for, simply wants some fine-tuning.
This article initially appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 NFL Draft scouting report on Texas Tech Edge David Bailey