With the NFL Scouting Combine in full swing, the Kansas City Chiefs are making waves by engaging with top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. Among those catching their eye is Texas Tech's standout edge rusher, David Bailey.
Bailey, currently ranked fifth on The Athletic’s consensus big board, has already had a sit-down with the Chiefs. As one of the premier talents in this draft class, he's projected to potentially be the first defensive player selected. However, there's a possibility he could still be available when the Chiefs make their pick at ninth overall.
Kansas City is leaving no stone unturned in their draft preparations, and Bailey is a prime candidate for their attention.
Background
Bailey's physical stats are impressive: standing 6 feet 3.5 inches tall and weighing in at 251 pounds, with a hand span of 10 1/4 inches and an arm length of 33 3/4 inches.
Hailing from Santa Ana, California, Bailey began his college career at Stanford, where he logged 22.5 sacks over 32 games. His transfer to Texas Tech in 2025 marked a turning point, culminating in a dominant 16-sack senior season that earned him unanimous All-American honors and the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year award.
His breakout season has solidified his status as a top prospect, making him a tantalizing option for the Chiefs.
Film Evaluation
Bailey's athleticism is top-tier, characterized by his speed, flexibility, and explosive movements that left college offensive tackles struggling to keep up.
In one notable play, Bailey's quick burst off the line allowed him to beat the tackle to the bend point, employing a rip move to free himself and sack the quarterback before he could react.
Bailey's ability to disrupt plays with his speed and a diverse arsenal of pass-rushing techniques makes him a likely candidate to be the first edge rusher selected. His senior year saw him facing increased attention with chip blocks and double teams, yet he continued to shine.
For example, when facing a chip block from a tight end, Bailey countered with a swift swim move through the B-gap, taking down the quarterback for a sack.
His explosive first step and agility set him apart, second only to Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese in this draft class. Bailey's presence forces quarterbacks to adjust their play, often stepping into the path of other disruptive linemen like Texas Tech's Lee Hunter.
The threat Bailey poses with his quickness can create opportunities for his teammates, especially if paired with a top-tier interior defensive lineman.
The Bottom Line
While Bailey has areas to improve, particularly in run defense due to his size, he acknowledges these challenges and is expected to develop over time.
In today's NFL, where pass-rushing prowess is paramount, Bailey's skills far outweigh concerns about his run defense. For a team like the Chiefs, who struggled with pass rushing in 2025, Bailey could be a game-changer.
Drafting Bailey would not only bolster the Chiefs' pass rush for 2026 but also provide a foundational defensive piece for the future. Pairing him with Chris Jones could usher in a new era of defensive dominance as Jones enters the latter stages of his career.
Opportunities to draft a player of Bailey’s caliber are rare, especially for teams in the midst of a dynasty. If the Chiefs have the chance, they should seize it without hesitation.