DAVID BAILEY — NDW Scouting Report
NDW WAR ROOM | 2026 NFL DRAFT | DAVID BAILEY · ED · TEXAS TECH | #1 EDGE - DAY 1 STARTER | PROJECTED Round 1, 2-10 | NDW WAR ROOM | 2026 NFL DRAFT |
NDW Scouting Report · EDGE · 2026 Draft Class
DAVID
BAILEY
7.77
NDW Grade
#1 DE - DAY 1 STARTER
Jersey
#31
School
TEXAS TECH
Conference
BIG 12
Hometown
Redwood City, California
DOB
AUG 28, 2003
Class
SENIOR
Pro Projection
EDGE (4–3 DE / sub-package pass rusher)
DAVID BAILEY
// Career Highlights
29
Career Sacks
42
Career TFLs
29
Career QBH
1246
Games
// 2026 NFL Combine Measurements
6035
Height
251
Weight (lbs)
33 3/4
Arm Length
10 1/2
Hand Size
79 3/4
Wingspan
Athletic Testing
4.5
40-Yd Dash
35"
Vertical
10'9"
Broad Jump
DNP
3-Cone
DNP
Shuttle
DNP
Bench Reps
MARCH 26
Pro Day
// Career Statistics
SeasonGTKLTFLSCKQBHFFFRPBU
2022
STANFORD
10468.52.53200
2023
STANFORD
10346.05.02000
2024
STANFORD
1212318.07.06501
2025
TEXAS TECH
145219.514.518313
Career12461634229291014
2025 Consensus All-America (Unanimous)
// NDW Scouting Grades
Weighted Traits
7.777
× 0.85
+
Projection Avg
8.00
× 0.15
=
Final NDW Grade
7.777
Clear First-Round / Year 1 Starter
Strong ConvictionNDW Draft Conviction
Trait Profile
Get-Off8.5Bend7.5Hand Usage8.0Power at7.5Run Defense7.0Counter Ability7.0
Trait Grades
Get-Off / First Step15%
8.5
Elite
Bend / Flexibility15%
7.5
Above Avg
Hand Usage / Rush Plan15%
8.0
Above Avg
Power at Contact12.5%
7.5
Above Avg
Run Defense / Edge Setting12.5%
7.0
Solid
Counter Ability10%
7.0
Solid
Closing Burst7.5%
8.5
Elite
Motor / Competitive Toughness7.5%
8.5
Elite
Alignment Versatility5%
7.0
Solid
Projection / Context Grades
Ceiling
8.5
Elite
Floor
7.5
Above Avg
Role Certainty
8.0
Above Avg
Scheme Versatility
7.5
Above Avg
Positional Value
8.5
Elite
Developmental Curve
7.5
Above Avg
Durability Confidence
8.5
Elite
// Strengths & Concerns
↑ Strengths
Above-average first step allows him to consistently threaten tackles early in the rep, though not elite off the ball
Shows solid bend and flexibility to reduce surface area and work the edge, but wins more with timing than rare cornering ability
Displays a developed pass-rush approach with effective hand usage and sequencing, particularly when setting up speed-to-power
Generates functional power through leverage and hand placement, capable of compressing the pocket without overwhelming strength
Strong closing burst when he wins leverage, allowing him to finish plays in the backfield
Plays with a high motor and competitive toughness, consistently working through reps and pursuing outside the pocket
⚠ Concerns
Lacks elite play strength at the point of attack, leading to inconsistencies holding firm against downhill run concepts
Can struggle to disengage once linemen establish inside hand placement
Counter repertoire remains functional but not yet refined enough to consistently punish oversets
Hand precision can drift, limiting efficiency in winning cleanly at the top of the rush
Run defense is more positional than dominant, relying on discipline over physical control
Processing versus misdirection and screen concepts is adequate but still developing
// Scheme Fit Matrix
★ Best Fit
Cover 3 ZoneSingle High4-Man Rush BaseWide-9 / Speed Rush Heavy4-3 BaseHybrid / MultipleNickel BaseDime / Sub-Package Heavy
Strong Fit
Cover 1 ManCover 4 / QuartersTwo-High ShellMatch Zone / Pattern MatchZone BlitzSimulated PressureOverload PackagesOdd Front / 3-3-5
Workable
Cover 2 / Tampa 2DB / Nickel Blitz3-4 Base
// NDW Scouting Summary

David Bailey projects as a technically sound, high-floor EDGE defender whose game is built on timing, leverage, and a disciplined pass-rush approach rather than elite explosiveness or overwhelming physical traits. He consistently shows an above-average first step and functional bend, allowing him to threaten the edge and work into the pocket with efficiency. His ability to sequence rushes, utilize his hands, and convert speed to power gives him a reliable path to pressure, while his motor and closing burst allow him to finish plays once he gains leverage. Bailey’s awareness and assignment integrity also show up against both the run and pass, making him a dependable presence within structured defensive fronts.

While he does not possess rare physical traits, Bailey’s consistency, experience, and technical foundation give him a clear projection as an early contributor at the next level. He fits best as a rotational EDGE with starting upside in schemes that value discipline, effort, and coordinated rush plans. Continued development of his counter arsenal and play strength will determine whether he can elevate beyond a reliable starter into a more impactful every-down presence, but his current profile offers a strong baseline for immediate NFL contribution.

// Draft Projection
NDW Projection
Round 1
2-10
Comp Reference
PFF: Rank #6 - NFL.Com: Rank #2
NDW Board Rank
#1 ED - #3 OVERALL - #3 DEF PLAYER
// Best Team Fits
NEW YORK JETS
PICK 2
TENNESSEE TITANS
PICK 4
CINCINATTI BENGALS
PICK 10
// Player Comps
BRIAN BURNS
NEW YORK GIANTS
Similarities: Wins with speed + arc timing Ability to build rush momentum and finish Differences: Burns = elite bend + elite closing Bailey = good, not elite → capped ceiling
CHOP ROBINSON
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Bailey has already been directly comped to Robinson in draft circles Both players share the same core profile tension: Explosive first step Speed-based pressure creation Leaner frame with run defense inconsistencies Robinson entered the league as: A high-upside pass rusher Not yet a fully complete edge defender
// Football Background
Coaching Staff
Previous HC: TROY TAYLOR
TEXAS TECH HC: JOEY MCGUIRE
Def. Coordinator: WILL MUSCHAMP
EDGE/OLB COACH: C.J. AH
Background
HS: MATER DEI HS (CA)
Prev School: STANFORD
Eligibility: SENIOR
NDW Grading System Reference
Grade Formula
85% Position-Weighted Trait Grades  +  15% Projection / Context Average  =  Final NDW Grade
Grade Tiers
GradeTierNFL Context
8.8 – 9.0GenerationalFranchise-altering talent, top-5 lock
8.6 – 8.79Rare ProspectTop-10 talent, immediate Pro Bowl upside
8.3 – 8.59Blue-ChipCertain top-20 pick, Day 1 starter
8.0 – 8.29High-End First-RoundLate first-round, starter within Year 1
7.7 – 7.99Clear First-Round / Year 1 StarterFringe first, high-floor contributor
7.3 – 7.69Early StarterDay 2 value, projects to starter role
6.9 – 7.29Starter Upside / RotationSolid Day 2, competes for starting job
6.4 – 6.89Role ContributorDay 3 value, defined role player
5.9 – 6.39Depth / DevelopmentRoster bubble, developmental upside
5.4 – 5.89Backup / Teams / DevSpecial teams, depth signing
1.0 – 5.39Camp / Priority FAPriority free agent or camp body
Grades reflect NDW's independent scouting evaluation and are not affiliated with any NFL team, agent, or media outlet. All trait weights are position-specific. Projection grades (Ceiling, Floor, Role Certainty, Scheme Versatility, Positional Value, Developmental Curve, Durability) apply universally across all positions.