David Bailey became the second-highest drafted Texas Tech football player ever when the New York Jets took the disruptive edge defender No. 2 overall in the first round of the NFL Draft that got underway on Thursday, April 23.
Texas Tech's other highest selections were tight end/wide receiver Dave Parks (No. 1 overall in 1964), running back Donny Anderson (No. 7 overall in 1965), and defensive end Tyree Wilson (No. 7 overall in 2023).
Bailey, a 6-foot-3 1/2, 251-pound pass rusher deluxe, spent only one season at Texas Tech, joining the Red Raiders as a transfer in April 2025 after three seasons at Stanford. He was one of four finalists for the Lombardi Award, which recognizes the nation's top lineman or linebacker.
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From the California high school that produced Heisman-winning quarterbacks John Huarte, Matt Leinart and Bryce Young comes Bailey, considered by many scouts to be the best pass rusher available in the 2026 draft. Bailey goes about his work with his pants worn high, his socks low, and no nylon sleeves, no wristbands, and no gloves. "I feel like it slows me down," he said of any extra accessories.
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.
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?
∎ 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