Texas Tech might be here for good if their 2025 season is their indicator. They have landed some major recruits, transferred in huge names in the portal, but this season is the catalyst, and it's thanks to their defense. While Jacob Rodriguez gets all the shine for being the leader on this Red Raiders defense, EDGE David Bailey might have been their best player. He's being mocked as the top pass rusher prospect in the class, but what does his 2026 NFL Draft scouting report look like? Let's talk about it.
Bailey, a former four-star recruit out of the famed Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, won CalHiSports Defensive Player of the Year his senior season after posting 15.5 sacks, helping the Monarchs go undefeated, winning a state title. Bailey ended up being the third-best edge rusher in the country and would commit to Stanford, starting 9 games as a true freshman. After three great seasons for the Cardinal, he would transfer to Texas Tech. He would dominate the Big 12, finishing with 13.5 sacks, second best in the country, and earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors as well as a consensus All-American nod.
The upside with David Bailey is endless. He's a long-limbed prospect with an incredible first step off the line. It also appears that he's out of his stance and in the tackle before the blocker is out of his stance. He can switch gears seamlessly, going from speed moves to power counters with ease. He has counters for almost anything thrown at him. His great knee bend with his speed allows him to bend down and slide past tackles. Surprising range in terms of dropping into zone coverage. If his blocker allows him to get home early and begin to round the corner, there is no recovering based on his speed.
He has power in his upper body, but there are major concerns centered on lower leg strength. He struggles to anchor in run support, often being driven back after first contact. While he has added muscle since his time at Stanford, he might be at his limit for gaining weight at just 250 lbs. If his team is facing a power run offense, there's a real chance he struggles mightily or even doesn't see the field unless on passing downs. Can be over-aggressive at times, leading to open lanes around him, which will not fly at the next level.
David Bailey's upside certainly puts him near the top of the class in terms of EDGE prospects. While the claim he's the top prospect at his position is steep, he still earns a late first-round grade. He's got every tool you could ask for, just needs some fine-tuning.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 NFL Draft scouting report on Texas Tech Edge David Bailey