Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
With their selection being inside of the top-10 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints will be very well-versed in players at premiere positions in this year’s class. One of the top players in that conversation is Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey.
With elite-level production and athleticism, Bailey’s build and playstyle project perfectly for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system.
Should he be left on the board at No. 8 overall, he’d present an opportunity that may be far too tough to pass on come April’s selection process.
Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey
Age: 22
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 251 pounds
Arm length: 33 ⅝ inches
Hand size: 10 ¼ inches
Combine Testing
40-yard dash: 4.50 seconds
Vertical: 35 inches
Broad jump: 10-foot-9
RAS: 9.65
#TexasTech EDGE David Bailey had an awesome performance against Oregon in a losing effort. Had 5 pressures, 2 PBUs at the LOS, a sack, and credited with 3 stops per PFF. Used his first step quickness to give both Oregon tackles hell all game long. pic.twitter.com/SDz0JJheHP
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 2, 2026
With defensive ends Chase Young and Carl Granderson set to lead the position group in 2026 and the future of Cameron Jordan uncertain (though there’s still reason for optimism) in New Orleans, Bailey would be a plug-and-play fit. First, likely as a pass rush specialist, but with a high ceiling to reach as an eventual three-down defender.
Bailey’s skill set appears to be ready-made for the Saints’ defense, which would allow him to stand up on the edge and utilize his athleticism to create immediate impact against opposing quarterbacks.
Even if Jordan is brought back, Bailey’s early focus being on rushing the passer allows him to be a clear complement to the room rather than a redundancy. It also allows him to focus on his pass rushing super powers while developing further against the run.
2025 Stats
Total tackles: 51
Tackles for a loss: 19.5 (led Big 12)
Sacks: 14.5 (T-No. 1 in the nation)
PFF Pressures: 81
Passes defended: 3
Fumbles recovered: 1
David Bailey is a highly explosive edge rusher with an elite production profile
Fully expect him to be a top 10 pick pic.twitter.com/RVRbONYE2P
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 27, 2026
Pros
+ Elite pass rusher with eye-popping production.
+ Quickness and athleticism are ideal for odd-front defenses.
+ Remarkable speed off of the edge.
+ Has the ability to re-route rush plans without losing track of the play.
+ Disciplined in assignments but can improvise if needed.
+ Is elusive at the point of engagement with offensive lineman, often earning unimpeded releases from the line of scrimmage.
+ Undeniable production at the collegiate level.
+ Very experienced player with 1,765 career defensive snaps played.
Opportunities for Growth
– Size concerns will come up, but as a stand-up pass rusher, it’s less worrying.
– Will need to develop against the run and find success as a three-down player to make good on investment.
– Relies a lot on outside moves.
– Has room to grow in freeing from contact once engaged with a blocker.
The Bottom Line
Bailey would be a home run selection for the Saints to kickoff their draft. The biggest challenge to him becoming the next Pro Bowl defender in New Orleans will be making it to pick No. 8. If he does, it should be a pretty easy decision for the Saints, who could use another edge rusher option that’s capable of taking over a game, something Bailey did several times throughout the 2025 season, including on the College Football Playoff stage.
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