David Bailey
6-3, 250-pound graduate of Santa Ana's Mater Dei HS in California — a
perennial national powerhouse. Former 4-star recruit.
COLLEGE: Three seasons at Stanford (2022-24). Nine starts in 11 games as a true frosh,
named True Freshman All-American by 247Sports. Over his Stanford career: 22.5 TFL, 14.5 sacks,
111 tackles, 7 forced fumbles. As a junior in 2024 led Stanford in TFL (8.0), QB hurries (8),
sacks (7.0), and forced fumbles (5). 7.0 sacks was the most by a Cardinal in a single season
since Casey Toohill had 8.0 in 2019.
Transferred to Texas Tech spring 2025. **2025 at Texas Tech: Unanimous All-American +
Big-12 Defensive Lineman of the Year.** Considered to have the best get-off / explosiveness
in the 2026 class.
DRAFT PROJECTION: Round 1 top-12. Jeremiah's #4 overall. Key question: consistency vs the
run — Stanford tape was inconsistent.
Scouting Profile
Combine / Pro Day Measurables (reported)
| 40-yard dash | 4.51 |
| Vertical jump (in) | 37.5 |
| Broad jump | 10'5" |
| Bench press (225 reps) | 22 reps |
| 3-cone drill | 6.95 |
| 20-yard shuttle | 4.18 |
| Wingspan | 80.5" |
| Hand size | 10" |
Numbers compiled from NFL Scouting Combine results, Pro Day box scores, and beat-writer reports. "Reported" means cross-referenced against multiple sources; verify on nfl.com/combine for definitive marks.
College Career Stats
- 2022 Stanford (Fr): 9 starts, True Freshman All-American (247Sports)
- 2023 Stanford (So): 7.5 sacks, 13 TFL
- 2024 Stanford (Jr): 7.0 sacks, 8 TFL, 5 FF — most Stanford sacks since Casey Toohill 2019
- 2025 Texas Tech (Sr): 14.5 sacks, 22 TFL, 3 FF — Unanimous All-American + Big 12 DL of the Year
Strengths
- Best get-off / first-step in the EDGE class
- Active hands counters inside off the speed-rush threat
- Disruptive vs the run — finishes plays in the backfield
- Scheme-flexible: can play 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE
- Elite production across 4 college years and 2 different conferences
Weaknesses / Areas to Develop
- Lanky frame — gets washed out vs power double teams
- Bend around the arc is good not elite
- Stanford competition level was a question; answered by 2025 at Texas Tech
NFL Pro Comparison
Will Anderson Jr. — similar twitchy, hand-active speed-to-power EDGE with college productivity-driven projection
Outcome Range
- Floor: Rotational pass rusher, 6-7 sacks/yr
- Median: 10-sack starter with Pro Bowl in a good year
- Ceiling: Top-5 sack leader; Defensive Player of the Year contender
Scheme Fit
Attacking one-gap 3-4 OLB or 4-3 LDE in a wide-9 alignment; avoid two-gap responsibilities
Pre-Draft Visits
Top-30 visits with the New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, and Buffalo Bills
Signature College Game
2025 vs Houston: 3.5 sacks, 6 TFL — Big 12 announce moment in a Texas Tech blowout
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