(Editor's Note: While the start of the 2026 NFL Draft isn't until late April, it's never too early to profile some of the key participants. The staff of DallasCowboys.com intends to preview the landscape of the draft's top prospects, with an emphasis on possible Cowboys draft picks – from the first round to the last. Today's featured player is Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey.)
- Name: David Bailey
- Position: Edge rusher
- College: Texas Tech
- Height/Weight: 6'4", 251
- Did You Know? In his final two seasons at Stanford before transferring to Texas Tech, Bailey led the Cardinal in sacks and tackles for loss despite starting in just seven of 22 games across that span. Bailey's seven sacks in 2024 were the most in a single season for a Stanford player since 2019. In his one year with the Red Raiders, Bailey was tied for the lead in sacks amongst all FBS players (14.5) and was second in tackles for loss (19.5).
Where He's Projected:
Most mock drafts see Bailey well off the board by the fifth overall pick, and as high as the second pick to the New York Jets. The question it seems teams will have to ask themselves is whether or not the like Bailey or Ohio State's Arvell Reese more to be their next star defender. If the Cowboys believe Bailey can be a game changer in Christian Parker's defense, they'll almost certainly have to move up into the top five, and maybe even the top three, for a chance to draft him.
How He Helps the Cowboys:
The Cowboys generated pressure on the quarterback last year but struggled to finish and bring them down at a consistent rate. If they were to add Bailey, he would help fix the latter part of the equation. In each year of his collegiate career, he increased his sack total and more than doubled it from his junior to senior year (7.0 sacks to 14.5). Bailey is a twitchy, explosive player who has made a living in the backfield and projects to do the same at the NFL level. If the Cowboys do trade up, which they'd likely have to do, and get Bailey, he can complement Rashan Gary as more of a speedy, true pass rusher and give the Cowboys skillset versatility across the defensive line. Bailey will only benefit from also lining up with Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, who are sure to demand attention as well.
Final Thoughts:
Moving up to get Bailey would likely cost the Cowboys a pretty penny in capital. They are notorious for making draft day trades however, and have said this offseason they're open to the idea. With a good likelihood the top defenders in this class could be wiped by the time pick 12 comes around, it's easy to see why Dallas would be enticed to move up. That said, with the amount of holes on the defense, a strong case can be made to stay put, or even trade back and acquire more capital. Both are valid points, and the upper hand that Bailey has is a proven game-changer who accomplishes one of Christian Parker's key values on most of his snaps: Affect the quarterback.
