Dominant pass rusher David Bailey's electrifying college season could rocket him to the top of the NFL Draft. Is he the best player available?
The NFL Draft is fast approaching, with prospects going through their Pro Days, and for Texas Tech's David Bailey, he is one name the entire nation is watching.
Many draft experts don't envision Bailey lasting past the first handful of picks in the draft, and given his 2025 season for the Red Raiders, it is easy to see why.
Bailey was an All-American, posting a whopping 14.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles.
That is some high-level production.
But then we add in that he did all of that in just 14 games, and you get a sense of why Bailey is touted as one of the best pass rushers in college football.
NFL teams want that sort of production and have an edge rusher who can dictate games all by themselves, and Bailey qualifies.
In fact, we could make the argument that not only is he the best pass-rusher in this NFL Draft ... he might be its best player.
Set to go quarterback hunting when he reaches the NFL, just which team he will land with is a fascinating topic of discussion.
But for NFL.com's Chad Reuter, in his latest mock draft, he has Robert Saleh's Tennessee Titans taking Bailey at No. 4.
“Bailey's excellent senior season locked up a top-five draft slot,” Reuter wrote. “The Titans need his superb combination of power and closing speed on the edge, even after trading for Jermaine Johnson II.”
What Bailey could develop into under the guidance of Saleh and the Titans' defense is an interesting thought.
Seen as an out-and-out pass rusher by some scouts, meaning he isn't as dominant against the run, Bailey feels like a pass rush specialist with a vast array of weapons to use in his attempts at getting after the quarterback.
We know NFL defenses like to try to neutralize pass rushers by using the run game, and often running straight at those game-wreckers, so Bailey might have to add some run defense to his game.
But make no mistake about it, if given the chance to go quarterback hunting, Bailey will collect souls at the next level.
With several teams crying out for a bona fide pass rusher, getting the best one in college football is a good bet. Reuter has Bailey off the board at No. 4, and in truth, I don't see him making it out of the first handful of selections.
Bailey was a game-wrecker for the Red Raiders, and he looks set to translate that dominance to the NFL in 2026.