Texas Tech Star David Bailey Drawing Strong Interest From Cowboys
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Texas Tech Red Raiders star defender David Baiey could remain in the Lone Star State after the 2026 NFL Draft.
According to NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay, the Dallas Cowboys could trade up to No. 3 overall in the draft with the Arizona Cardinals and target Bailey.
"Trading out of No. 3 remains one of the priorities, or one of the things that could absolutely happen with Arizona," McShay said around the 15:00 mark of Friday's episode of The McShay Show. "There's a lot of buzz about Dallas, and what comes to the noise, with Dallas trading up from 12 to three to get Bailey, right?
"Keep it in state. Texas Tech, pass rusher. Most importantly, they've put all their efforts into rebuilding that defense over the last year."
The 22-year-old met with the Cowboys earlier this week, along with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cardinals.
As things stand, the Cowboys hold the No. 12 overall pick in this month's draft.
McShay went on to say that the Cardinals may instead trade back one or two spots if the franchise decides to trade out of No. 3 to target star running back from Notre Dame, Jeremiyah Love.
The Cowboys have a total of eight draft picks, including two highly coveted first-round selections, Nos. 12 and 20.
Will David Bailey be an Immediate Impact Starter in the NFL?
Bailey is projected to be a top-five draft pick this spring. According to NFL Draft Buzz, he is ranked fifth overall in this year's class and is ranked No. 1 at his position.
The California native started his college career playing at Stanford. He spent three seasons in Palo Alto before transferring to Lubbock for his senior season. There, he made a name for himself, thriving with the Red Raiders.
He finished his lone season at Tech with 52 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, three passes defended and three forced fumbles in 14 games. Bailey earned unanimous All-America honors and was the Big 12 defensive lineman of the year.
In his four-year college career, Bailey totaled 163 tackles, 42 tackles for loss, 29 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and four passes defended in 46 games.
The Orange County native brings an impressive skill set, showing the ability to widen his rush path by his second step to create space around the edge. Bailey also displays natural pass-rush instincts, reacting quickly to blockers’ sets and adjusting on the fly.
NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein believes he will be a starter right out of the gate.
"Teams can run at Bailey due to his lack of anchor and take-on presence, but his work-around quickness will also lead to tackles for loss. His draft grade is slightly tempered by a lack of desired size/length, but the explosiveness and athletic talent is truly elite. His sack production should carry over to the NFL as an odd-front rush linebacker with Pro Bowl upside."
In 2025, Bailey did his part in leading the Red Raiders to their best season in program history.
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Ricardo Sandoval is a Sports Writer for On SI based in Los Angeles, CA. Ricardo has been writing about a wide range of sports and was also an Associate Editor for Dodgers Nation. Ricardo was also a Contributing Sports Writer for Newsweek's Sports Section specializing in NBA, NFL and College coverage. He is a contributor for Texas Tech On SI.