2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of Texas Tech Edge David Bailey. Plus: grades and schematic fit

Updated: 03/24/2026

Note: This season, I’m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players — as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the “one sheets” you see in NFL front offices — with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I’ve had requests for these quick reports, and so here they are! I’ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I broke the process down on the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard.

---

2026 NFL Draft Hub

Prospect: David Bailey | Jersey #: 31 | Pro Pos.: Edge | College Pos.: Edge

School: Texas Tech | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 251lbs | Speed: 4.50; 1.62

Explosive Index: 9.67 | Age: 22.4 (Sr) | Final Grade: 7.74 (Quality Starter) | Draft Projection: Top-10

STRONG POINTS:

· A ridiculously explosive pass-rusher who wins with raw athleticism. A speed, bend, burst rusher who wins on the high-side. Beats linemen out of their stance, beats them to their set, and punishes short edges.

· Bailey has a strange, high-cut frame. He is more of a linear athlete, lacking fluidity side-to-side. But has some of the best off-the-bounce juice you will see from any prospect over the last decade — and has enough hops to play laterally in short, confined areas.

· Plays with the same degree of explosiveness out of a two and three-point stance. Has zero wasted movement. Linemen consistently overset or tie up their feet trying to counteract his springs off the snap.