The 2026 NFL Draft is slightly more than two months away, and Texas Tech’s defensive standout David Bailey is positioning himself as a leading prospect. After an impressive 2025 season with the Red Raiders, Bailey aims to secure a spot among the top 10 picks.
Known for his role as a pass rusher, Bailey’s recent performances have drawn significant interest from NFL teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, who are seeking to enhance their pass-rushing capabilities.
Kansas City Chiefs Target David Bailey to Boost Pass Rush
According to ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller, the Chiefs may select David Bailey with the ninth overall pick. Miller’s latest mock draft highlights Bailey’s potential fit with Kansas City, despite Bailey not matching the preferred body type of Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Although he isn’t the big-bodied defensive end Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo prefers, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Bailey has speed off the snap and the ability to chase down quarterbacks,
Miller wrote.
The Chiefs had only 35 sacks as a team in 2025 (tied for 22nd in the NFL), so Bailey would give their pass rush a jolt with his agility and power.
– Matt Miller, ESPN NFL Draft Expert
Bailey played three seasons at Stanford before transferring to Texas Tech for his senior year. Across four college seasons, he amassed 163 tackles, 29 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and three passes defended. His combination of size and quickness projects well at the professional level.
NFL Analyst Compares Bailey to Broncos’ Nik Bonitto
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein offered a comparison between Bailey and Denver Broncos’ pass rusher Nik Bonitto. This likeness may hold particular significance for the Chiefs, as Bonitto has been a persistent challenge for their offense, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
If Bailey can provide a similar impact on the edge, picking him at ninth overall would add strong value to Kansas City’s defense.
While Bailey remains a prominent candidate, the Chiefs’ first-round options extend beyond him, including Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, and Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.
Bailey’s College Career and Prospect Outlook
Though Bailey spent only one season with Texas Tech, his impact was clear during the team’s push to the College Football Playoff. His 14.5 sacks and overall defensive presence in 2025 helped elevate Texas Tech’s national profile.
Red Raiders supporters continue to follow Bailey’s journey as he prepares for the draft, which will be pivotal for his NFL future. Kansas City’s interest signals that Bailey is on the radar of teams needing pass-rush rejuvenation.
What the Future Holds for David Bailey and the Chiefs
As the 2026 NFL Draft nears, Bailey’s status as a Kansas City Chiefs draft target keeps him among the most intriguing prospects in this class. Should the Chiefs choose to invest their first-round pick in him, Bailey might become a key component in revitalizing their defensive line and increasing the team’s sack production.
The draft outcome will reveal whether Bailey joins a Chiefs unit eager to enhance its pass-rushing threat or pursues opportunities with another franchise. Either way, his transition from college star to NFL player remains an exciting storyline in the upcoming draft season.
