Tennessee could eye Texas Tech's disruptive pass rusher, David Bailey. His college dominance suggests an "inevitable" NFL Draft selection.
As the 2026 NFL Draft draws closer, a few projections begin to stand out not just as possibilities, but as outcomes that keep resurfacing across the league-wide conversation.
In a recent article by Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon, he outlines a few picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft that feel "inevitable." And with the No. 4 pick, he seems to think that the Tennessee Titans are likely to pick Texas Tech's David Bailey.
"Things naturally become less inevitable as variables increase with each pick, but the Titans are likely to sprint with this one if Bailey does indeed get past the Jets and Cardinals," Gagnon writes. "The Titans signed Jermaine Johnson II in March but need more muscle rushing the passer, and new Titans head coach Robert Saleh also invested heavily in edge rushers early in his tenure with the Jets."
Bailey has built his case the old-fashioned way: consistent production, disruptive tape, and a skill set that translates cleanly to the next level. His ability to win off the edge with burst, convert speed to power, and consistently finish plays in the backfield has made him one of the most feared pass rushers in college football.
The Red Raiders defensive star racked up 52 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks, which led all of college football. He was also able to show his nose for the ball by defending three passes, forcing three fumbles, and even recovering one.
That kind of impact is what separates good prospects from top-five conversations.
The Titans’ recent struggles have only heightened the need for a consistent presence who can collapse the pocket and generate pressure without relying on heavy blitzing.
Bailey fits that profile in a way few prospects do. He offers immediate pass-rush ability, but also long-term upside as a defensive cornerstone. The Titans finished this past season with 42 sacks, but adding a guy like Bailey would definitely make that number go up.
Of course, nothing is set in stone. Draft boards shift constantly, and the final weeks leading up to the event are often when unexpected movement happens. But the direction of the conversation is becoming harder to ignore.
It feels like a scenario that keeps appearing for a reason—and those are the ones that tend to stick.