Dallas could target Texas Tech's disruptive edge rusher, David Bailey, at No. 3. He boasts elite sack numbers and the potential for instant NFL impact.
Texas Tech football continues to build its reputation as a producer of elite defensive talent, and edge rusher David Bailey is the latest Red Raider generating significant NFL Draft buzz.
With the production that he has shown in four years in college, he could make an instant impact with any NFL team that has the pleasure of drafting him.
READ MORE: David Bailey to Jets? NFL Buzz Builds Fast
In a recent mock draft by The Athletic's Bruce Feldman, he has the Dallas Cowboys trading up with the Arizona Cardinals to the No. 3 spot and taking the Texas Tech defensive superstar.
"The Cowboys didn’t get Maxx Crosby and still could use more juice attacking offenses," Feldman writes. "I think he’s an even better edge rusher than Abdul Carter, who went in this spot last year to the Giants. (And that’s not a knock on Carter.)"
Bailey’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. After transferring from Stanford, he delivered a dominant 2025 season in Lubbock, emerging as one of the most disruptive defenders in college football.
He racked up 52 total tackles with a remarkable 19.5 tackles for loss, and was able to lead the nation in sacks with 14.5. Bailey was also able to show his versatility by defending three passes and forcing three fumbles.
For Dallas, the fit makes a great deal of sense. The Cowboys have long prioritized building a dominant defensive front, and adding a player like Bailey would reinforce that identity. They failed on getting one of either Maxx Crosby or Trey Hendrickson, but a young and dominant edge rusher like Bailey could be a nice consolation prize.
For Texas Tech, Bailey’s projection to a franchise like the Cowboys is another sign of progress. Producing first-round defensive talent not only elevates the program’s national profile but also reinforces its ability to develop players ready for the NFL.
If this mock draft becomes reality, Bailey won't just be another rookie draft pick that learns from the sidelines for a few years before breaking out. He could immediately be one of the best players on any defense he goes to, and cause havoc for opposing quarterbacks and ball-carriers.