The Washington Commanders are on the hunt for some serious firepower in their edge-rushing lineup this offseason. With Adam Peters holding the purse strings, there's room to make a splash in free agency if the right opportunities come along. But don't be surprised if the Commanders eye a pass-rusher with their No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Now, even if Peters brings in a couple of free agents, the draft strategy remains crucial. The challenge? One of those top-tier prospects might be off the board by the time the Commanders get their turn.
Enter David Bailey from Texas Tech. Mock drafts have frequently linked him to Washington, but his stock has skyrocketed, making him a likely top-five pick, especially after his jaw-dropping performance at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Bailey's Combine showcase was nothing short of spectacular, particularly for those watching the linebackers and defensive linemen on Day 1. While Ohio State's Sonny Styles turned heads, Bailey stole the show with his explosive speed, agility, and remarkable flexibility-traits that left both fans and NFL scouts buzzing.
His testing numbers were already impressive, but Bailey wanted to cement his status with a standout performance. And he did just that, proving his workout was as impressive as his game tape. For the Commanders, hoping he'd slip to No. 7 seems like wishful thinking at this point.
Peters, watching Bailey's display, must realize the likelihood of Bailey dropping past the top five is slim. While there will be other solid prospects available, Bailey's chances of being one of them are fading.
Bailey could easily be snatched up by the New York Jets at No. 2 or the Tennessee Titans at No. 4.
His combination of length, athleticism, and relentless energy are exactly what teams covet in a top-tier pass rusher. Both the Jets and Titans would find it hard to pass on Bailey, even with other talents like Arvell Reese in the mix.
While the NFL Scouting Combine can sometimes lead to overhyped evaluations, Bailey's performance only confirmed his immense potential. The Commanders will need to be ready for anything, as Bailey's future looks destined to begin outside of Washington.