By Ross Jackson<\/p>\n
With their selection being inside of the top-10 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints will be very well-versed in players at premiere positions in this year\u2019s class. One of the top players in that conversation is Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey<\/a>.<\/p>\n With elite-level production and athleticism, Bailey\u2019s build and playstyle project perfectly for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley<\/a>\u2019s system.\u00a0<\/p>\n Should he be left on the board at No. 8 overall, he\u2019d present an opportunity that may be far too tough to pass on come April\u2019s selection process.<\/p>\n Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey<\/a><\/p>\n Age: 22<\/p>\n Height: 6-foot-3<\/p>\n Weight: 251 pounds<\/p>\n Arm length: 33 \u215d inches<\/p>\n Hand size: 10 \u00bc inches<\/p>\n Combine Testing<\/p>\n 40-yard dash: 4.50 seconds<\/p>\n Vertical: 35 inches<\/p>\n Broad jump: 10-foot-9<\/p>\n RAS<\/a>: 9.65<\/p>\n #TexasTech<\/a> EDGE David Bailey had an awesome performance against Oregon in a losing effort. Had 5 pressures, 2 PBUs at the LOS, a sack, and credited with 3 stops per PFF. Used his first step quickness to give both Oregon tackles hell all game long. pic.twitter.com\/SDz0JJheHP<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 2, 2026<\/a>\n<\/p>\n With defensive ends Chase Young<\/a> and Carl Granderson<\/a> set to lead the position group in 2026 and the future of Cameron Jordan<\/a> uncertain (though there\u2019s still reason for optimism<\/a>) in New Orleans, Bailey would be a plug-and-play fit. First, likely as a pass rush specialist, but with a high ceiling to reach as an eventual three-down defender.<\/p>\n Bailey\u2019s skill set appears to be ready-made for the Saints\u2019 defense, which would allow him to stand up on the edge and utilize his athleticism to create immediate impact against opposing quarterbacks.<\/p>\n Even if Jordan is brought back, Bailey\u2019s early focus being on rushing the passer allows him to be a clear complement to the room rather than a redundancy. It also allows him to focus on his pass rushing super powers while developing further against the run.<\/p>\n 2025 Stats<\/p>\n Total tackles: 51<\/p>\n Tackles for a loss: 19.5 (led Big 12)<\/p>\n Sacks: 14.5 (T-No. 1 in the nation)<\/p>\n PFF Pressures: 81<\/p>\n Passes defended: 3<\/p>\n Fumbles recovered: 1<\/p>\n David Bailey is a highly explosive edge rusher with an elite production profile<\/p>\n Fully expect him to be a top 10 pick pic.twitter.com\/RVRbONYE2P<\/a><\/p>\n