If you’re looking at the Washington Commanders’ 2025 pass rush strictly through the lens of sack totals, the numbers might not raise any red flags. With 42 sacks on the year, they landed squarely in the middle of the NFL pack. But dig a little deeper, and it’s clear that this unit had more questions than answers - and not just because of injuries.
Veteran Von Miller led the team with nine sacks, providing a steady if not spectacular presence. But when Dorance Armstrong Jr. went down with an injury before midseason, it was a big blow.
At the time, Armstrong was on pace for a 13-sack campaign - a breakout year that never got to fully materialize. The Commanders also lost Deatrich Wise Jr. and Javontae Jean-Baptiste, thinning an already uncertain edge rotation.
Even with that respectable sack total, Washington’s pass rush struggled to generate consistent pressure. They finished dead last in quarterback hurries despite dialing up a fair amount of blitzes.
That’s a troubling stat. Pressure without sacks can still disrupt offenses - but if you're not even hurrying the quarterback, your defense is playing from behind before the snap.
Outside of Armstrong, there isn’t a returning edge rusher who’s shown they can consistently win one-on-one. That puts the spotlight squarely on Adam Peters this offseason. If Washington wants to turn the corner defensively, they need to find a difference-maker off the edge - someone who can collapse pockets, force bad throws, and change games.
Fortunately, the 2026 NFL Draft offers some intriguing options at the position. While this class might not have a consensus top dog like Abdul Carter was in 2025, there’s quality depth - and the Commanders, holding the No. 7 pick, are in prime position to take advantage.
One name that stands out? David Bailey, the explosive edge rusher out of Texas Tech.
David Bailey Scouting Report
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 250 lbs
Projected 40-Yard Dash: 4.52 seconds
College Production: 46 games, 163 tackles, 42 tackles for loss, 29 sacks, 10 forced fumbles
Bailey checks a lot of boxes. He’s got the size-speed combo that NFL teams covet, and he brings a relentless motor to go with it.
His first step is electric - the kind of burst that gives offensive tackles nightmares. He can win outside with speed, but he’s also shown the ability to counter inside with spin moves or raw power.
That versatility makes him a tough read for linemen, and it’s why he racked up 19.5 tackles for loss in 2025 alone.
What really separates Bailey is his ability to chase down plays from the backside. He doesn’t quit.
Whether it’s a stretch run away from him or a quarterback trying to escape the pocket, Bailey has the speed and awareness to track it down. And while he’s not a linebacker by trade, he’s athletic enough to drop into coverage when asked - a trait that gives defensive coordinators some creative flexibility.
In 2025, Bailey mostly lined up on the right edge, with fellow prospect Romello Height on the left. But Bailey showed he could flip sides without losing effectiveness.
He even kicked inside on occasion to attack the B-gap, using his quickness to beat slower guards. That kind of versatility won’t be his primary role at the next level, but it shows just how dynamic his athletic profile really is.
The Concerns
Of course, no prospect is perfect. Bailey’s frame - while lean and athletic - might be a bit light for the NFL trenches.
At 250 pounds, he’s going to be facing tackles who outweigh him by 70 pounds or more. He looks like he could add weight, but the big question is whether he can bulk up without losing that elite burst.
He was a strong run defender in college, especially chasing from the backside, but setting the edge in the NFL is a different animal. Power tackles with good hands can neutralize lighter edge rushers if they can’t anchor.
Bailey will need to refine his technique and continue developing his secondary pass rush moves. Speed alone won’t be enough at the next level - but the good news is, he’s already shown flashes of a spin move and a bull rush.
Now it’s about sharpening the tools and using them consistently.
There’s also the question of scheme fit. Bailey projects best as a stand-up edge in a 3-4 front, where his agility and speed can be maximized.
In a 4-3, he might need to put his hand in the dirt more often and take on bigger bodies at the point of attack. That doesn’t mean he can’t do it - just that some teams may view him as a better fit than others.
NFL Comparison and Draft Outlook
Bailey’s college dominance and physical traits have drawn comparisons to Abdul Carter, the first edge off the board in 2025. Like Carter, Bailey was often unblockable at the collegiate level.
And like Carter, he may need some time to adjust to NFL speed and strength before hitting his stride. But once he does, the ceiling is sky-high.
There’s also a tantalizing upside comp: Khalil Mack. That’s a lofty bar, no doubt.
But if Bailey can add bulk without sacrificing his speed and agility, he has the tools to become a game-wrecker in that mold. He’s already made Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List for a reason - the athleticism is real.
Bailey is a top-10 talent, plain and simple. He’s played a ton of football, produced everywhere he’s been, and brings a work ethic that coaches will love.
Before transferring to Texas Tech for his final season, he was a standout at Stanford - and he earned his degree early. That’s the kind of maturity and leadership that NFL teams value.
For the Commanders, who desperately need juice off the edge, Bailey could be a perfect fit. He’s not a finished product, but few prospects are.
What he brings to the table - explosiveness, versatility, and upside - is exactly what Washington’s defense needs. If he’s there at No. 7, don’t be surprised if his name is called.