Jets pick Texas Tech OLB David Bailey in NFL draft: Highlights, stats

There was no slowing Bailey in 2025, when his 14 ½ sacks for Texas Tech equaled what he produced in three years at Stanford. The Red Raiders, unlike the Cardinal, used him almost exclusively on the line of scrimmage and his power/speed combo overmatched offensive tackles.

David Bailey highlights, strengths, weaknesses with Texas Tech football

Texas Tech's David Bailey prepares to rush the Arkansas-Pine Bluff offene during a non-conference football game, Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.

Bailey's first-step quickness is elite, which translates to him quickly rendering pass protectors off-balance or beaten. It showed up in the 2024 season at Stanford, when he had 7 sacks and 5 caused fumbles. Then he really blew up with Texas Tech in 2025, tallying in the sack column in 11 of 14 games.

Bailey usually deployed as a stand-up edge defender. As size goes, he's not the longest or the heaviest. Texas Tech led the FBS in rushing defense, allowing 68 yards per game, and could have four front-seven players drafted in the top three rounds. Being surrounded by that much talent helped mask perhaps the biggest question about Bailey: How well will he defend the run at the next level?

David Bailey stats with Texas Tech football

∎ Credited with 52 tackles, including 19 1/2 tackles for loss with 14 1/2 sacks. Also had 3 forced fumbles and 3 batted passes.

∎ Unanimous all-America selection by the five selectors recognized by the NCAA.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: David Bailey draft: Jets pick Texas Tech OLB in NFL draft first round