We are one month away from free agency, and the Washington Commanders have many needs. There’s no more significant need than a dominant edge rusher. The Commanders could address the position in free agency next month or could wait until April’s 2026 NFL Draft.

Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) and David Bailey (Texas Tech) are largely considered the top edge prospects in the draft, with both usually going somewhere in the top 10 of most mock drafts. We’ve seen Bain and Bailey mocked to Washington in recent weeks.

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But one NFL draft analyst doesn’t believe the Commanders will get Bailey.

Longtime NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports believes Bailey will go No. 4 overall to the Tennessee Titans.

“Mike Borgonzi, the general manager that came from Kansas City, as the assistant to Brett Veach, he’s going to be the guy who makes the pick, but I know for a fact, I am sure for a fact, [Titans new head coach Robert] Saleh is going to have a big input,” Pauline said.

“He’s going to want David Bailey with that fourth selection, the edge rusher from Texas Tech. Because it’s a system fit, it fits a need, he’s an outstanding player and just look at his history. He likes that type of player.”

While no one knows what Washington thinks of Bailey, he is the best pure pass rusher in the draft. While he isn’t as strong setting the edge as Bain, he can make a Day 1 impact getting after the quarterback.

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Pauline is correct. The Titans also need an edge rusher. They used a second-round pick on Femi Oladejo last season, but he only played in six games as a rookie and did not record a sack.

The Commanders have multiple needs, and could use the No. 7 overall pick to select any of four Ohio State players on the board: linebacker/edge Arvell Reese, safety Caleb Downs, linebacker Sonny Styles, or wide receiver Carnell Tate. Each is at a position of need.

There’s still a long way to go from now until April, but it looks like the Titans may be locking in on Bailey, taking away a potential top target from Washington.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Another team locked in on David Bailey?