David Bailey’s name is going to keep surfacing in NFL Draft conversations from now until April-and for good reason. The Texas Tech standout didn’t just flash potential this past season, he delivered week in and week out, anchoring a Red Raiders defense that leaned heavily on his disruptive presence. Bailey wasn’t just productive-he was relentless, and opposing quarterbacks felt it every time they dropped back.
Let’s talk about the numbers for a second: 19.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks. That’s not just eye-catching, that’s game-wrecking production.
Bailey didn’t just show up-he took over games. His explosion off the edge, ability to bend around tackles, and knack for finding the quarterback made him one of the most feared pass rushers in the country.
And it wasn’t just about raw talent-Bailey’s growth over his college career has been steady and impressive. He’s refined his technique, improved his instincts, and become a more complete player.
So it’s no surprise that his name keeps popping up in first-round projections. In Bucky Brooks’ latest NFL mock draft, Bailey is slotted to the New Orleans Saints at No. 8 overall. And honestly, that fit makes a lot of sense.
The Saints are in an interesting spot defensively. Cameron Jordan has been the face of that pass rush for over a decade, but at 36, and with his contract situation up in the air, New Orleans is staring down the reality of needing a long-term answer on the edge. Even if Jordan sticks around for another season or two, the Saints can’t afford to wait to find his eventual successor.
That’s where Bailey comes in. He’s not just a future piece-he’s someone who can make an impact right away while also growing into a foundational player for years to come.
His motor, his production, and his upside all scream top-10 pick. And for a team like New Orleans, which has long relied on a strong front to anchor its defense, Bailey could be the kind of pick that resets the tone on that side of the ball.
Draft season is full of projections and hypotheticals, but one thing feels certain: David Bailey is going to be a name we hear a lot between now and April. And if he ends up in a place like New Orleans, don’t be surprised if he starts making noise from day one.