As the NFL Combine kicked off, all eyes were on the edge rushers, and one name that quickly rose to prominence was David Bailey. Initially a bit of an unknown, Bailey made waves after transferring from Stanford to Texas Tech. His standout season, highlighted by 14.5 sacks and improved run defense, has made him a hot commodity in the upcoming NFL Draft.
David Bailey stole the show on the first day of the Combine. With the Jets trading away edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, the door is wide open for a player like Bailey to be picked as high as 2nd overall, significantly boosting his draft stock.
Physically, Bailey impressed with his measurements, boasting 33 and 3/4 inch arms-an advantage over his peers Rueben Bain Jr and Arvell Reese, who measured below the desired 33-inch benchmark. This physical edge sets him apart as a top prospect.
Bailey's athletic prowess was on full display when he ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, despite an awkward start. This performance turned heads and solidified his status as a top contender. His broad jump was equally impressive, ranking 3rd among edge rushers with a 10-9 mark.
In on-field drills, Bailey's skills shone brightly, making it hard to envision him slipping out of the Top 5 picks. His performance has sparked discussions about how high he might go in the draft. While the debate centers around the 2nd overall pick, it's hard to see him falling below the 7th pick, likely landing with the Commanders.
David Bailey's Combine performance has not only elevated his draft status but also cemented his place as one of the premier players in this year's class. As the draft approaches, teams will undoubtedly be strategizing on how to secure this rising star.