David Bailey's dominant pass rush propels him to No. 2 in Mel Kiper's latest mock, with the Jets eyeing this Texas Tech star.
Texas Tech could soon have one of the highest-drafted players in program history, as David Bailey continues to rise up draft boards ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
In the latest mock draft from ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., the Red Raiders edge rusher has surged all the way up to the No. 2 overall pick, which would be the New York Jets taking the Texas Tech star.
"I get the sense the Jets will take production over potential here in the great Bailey vs. Arvell Reese debate," Kiper writes. "New York was 31st in sacks last season with 26. It was 27th in pressure rate at 28.8%. Something has to change, and bringing in a player who led the FBS in pressure rate and tied for the lead in sacks last season could do the trick."
This rise isn’t coming out of nowhere.
Bailey put together a dominant 2025 season after transferring to Texas Tech from Stanford, finishing with 14.5 sacks. His ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks, combined with elite athletic traits, has made him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects available.
Of course, like any prospect, there are still areas to refine. Evaluators have noted that he can continue developing as a run defender and expand his pass-rush arsenal when his initial move is neutralized. Even so, those concerns haven’t slowed his rapid climb up draft boards.
What stands out most is how quickly Bailey’s stock has risen. Not long ago, he was viewed as a likely top-10 selection. Now, he’s projected to come off the board almost immediately, ahead of many other highly regarded prospects.
For Texas Tech, having a player in this position is significant. A potential top-two selection underscores the level of talent within the program and highlights Bailey’s development into an elite NFL prospect.
Bailey would be the highest drafted Red Raider defender, as the current holder of that title is Tyree Wilson, who was taken with the seventh pick in 2023. He would also be the second-highest drafted Texas Tech player ever if this mock comes true, just behind wide receiver Dave Parks, who was taken first overall in 1964.
As the draft approaches, his momentum continues to build. If projections hold, Bailey won’t have to wait long to hear his name called on draft night.