David Bailey — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Bailey is like a basketball player on grass with his ability to elude offensive tackles and slash into the pocket. The Texas Tech product, who tied for the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks this past season, offers explosive sack potential early in his pro career.

The Chiefs find themselves in unfamiliar top-10 territory, but picking this high could give them the opportunity to quickly reload and get back to their usual place atop the AFC. Kansas City has needs at several positions, namely right tackle, edge rusher and cornerback. And it could go with the highest-ranked player at those positions -- which would be Bailey, who tied for the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks last season.

Although he isn't the big-bodied defensive end Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo prefers, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Bailey has speed off the snap and the ability to chase down quarterbacks. The Chiefs had only 35 sacks as a team in 2025 (tied for 22nd in the NFL), so Bailey would give their pass rush a jolt with his agility and power.

Bailey brings a mix of power and athleticism off the edge, pairing a strong long-arm move and a nasty bull rush with the burst to win around the corner. At 247 pounds, he's lighter than some, but his strength, motor and variety of pass-rush moves make him a constant problem for tackles who don't anchor well.

Bailey tallied elite PFF pass-rush grades above 90.0 in each of the past two seasons. The Titans have to get more juice on the outside, especially in Robert Saleh's defensive system, which often requires pressure on the quarterback with just four rushers.

Along with their offensive injuries, the Commanders' 27th-ranked defense was a major reason for the team's plummet.

Bailey was a force on the nation's No. 3 total and scoring defense. A unanimous first-team All-American, he finished with 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. He would change Washington's defense in an instant.

Cameron Jordan is 36 and currently without a contract for 2026. Whether he returns to the team or not, the Saints must find an eventual replacement on the edges. Bailey is not a finished product, but his speed, explosiveness and burst give blockers problems in pass protection.

Cleveland should take the best player available here. A receiver could also be in play, but Bailey has the best get-off of any pass rusher in the draft. Alex Wright is a solid edge who signed a contract extension in November, but Bailey is a different caliber of player. Myles Garrett would have some talented running mates up front.