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David Bailey NFL Draft scouting report: Why Texas Tech star is drawing Nik Bonitto comparisons
TL;DR
Texas Tech's David Bailey is emerging as a top pass-rusher for the 2026 NFL Draft, drawing comparisons to Nik Bonitto. He had a standout college season, contributing significantly to a strong defense.
Key points
- David Bailey is a top pass-rushing prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft.
- He had an explosive final season at Texas Tech.
- Bailey is compared to Nik Bonitto for his playing style.
- He contributed to one of the nation's best defenses.
Mentioned in this story
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David BaileyNik BonittoNFL Draft 2026
David Bailey NFL Draft scouting report: Why Texas Tech star is drawing Nik Bonitto comparisons originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 NFL Draft is light at a couple of positions, but pass-rushers won't be hard to find.
Between the late first-round and a slew of Day 2 prospects at the edge rusher position, any team that needs a pass-rusher should be able to find one. Not every team will be able to land an elite pass-rushing prospect, however.
Along with Miami's Rueben Bain, depending on who you ask, Texas Tech's David Bailey falls into that category. Bailey finished his college career with an explosive season in Lubbock, leading one of the nation's best defenses alongside fellow draft prospect Jacob Rodriguez.
Here's a closer look at Bailey's scouting report and NFL comparison.
MORE 2026 NFL DRAFT:
- Complete 7-round mock draft
- Trade predictions for the first round
- Where will each quarterback go in 2026 draft?
David Bailey NFL Draft scouting report
Bailey emerged as one of the top overall prospects in the 2026 draft in his lone season at Texas Tech, recording 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss after transferring from Stanford. Bailey had five forced fumbles in his junior season with the Cardinal before the dominant year in Lubbock.
Tools sometimes matter more than anything to NFL teams, but Shemar Stewart served as a reminder in his rookie season that production matters, too. No pass-rushing prospect was more productive than Bailey in 2025, and he is as seasoned as one can be at the position after four seasons at the college level.
Q&A
What makes David Bailey a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft?
David Bailey is considered a top prospect due to his explosive performance during his college career at Texas Tech, particularly as a pass-rusher.
How does David Bailey compare to Nik Bonitto?
David Bailey is drawing comparisons to Nik Bonitto due to their similar playing styles and effectiveness as edge rushers.
Which teams might be interested in drafting David Bailey?
Teams in need of pass-rushers are likely to show interest in David Bailey, especially those looking to bolster their defensive line.
What position does David Bailey play in football?
David Bailey plays as an edge rusher, a critical position for defensive players focused on pressuring the quarterback.
