David Bailey Falling to Chiefs Would Create This Stellar Scenario

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – David Bailey is the draft’s fourth-best edge rusher.

That’s according to former NFL quarterback Chris Simms, and if it represents the consensus opinion of NFL draft rooms, it’s fantastic news for the team with the No. 9-overall selection.

That team is the Chiefs -- desperate for someone like Bailey who can affect quarterbacks, create turnovers and prevent Kansas City from drafting again in the top 10 for a long, long time. And if Arvell Reese, Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor somehow push Bailey to Kansas City – following Simms’ edge-rusher rankings, the Chiefs wouldn’t be disappointed.

Two reasons the scenario would benefit Chiefs

First, Kansas City’s unofficial college scout Patrick Mahomes would be ecstatic. No one watched more Texas Tech football in 2025, when Bailey led the FBS with 14½ sacks, than Mahomes. The former Red Raiders quarterback knows how much someone like Bailey can help the Chiefs.

Second, a scenario in which Bailey falls to the Chiefs would likely blow up Veach’s phone. Without question, other teams would offer additional picks to move up and take Bailey. Obviously if that happens, the Chiefs would be open to taking another edge rusher they believe they can still get in the first round – such as Zion Young from Missouri.

That would seem to be a pleasant surprise for the Chiefs. In many mock drafts, all of the best options are gone by the time they’re on the clock at 9. They may not have another team interested in moving up to that spot.

But if someone like Bailey, or even an offensive tackle like Francis Mauigoa or Spencer Fano, falls to Kansas City, expect the calls to come. Kansas City also has the No. 29 selection in the first round, a pick Veach obtained in the Trent McDuffie deal last month.

mcduffi — Oct 27, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) tackles Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

One scenario that wouldn't end well

But whatever happens, don’t expect the Chiefs to exit the first round without an edge rusher. The team understands premium positions and non-premium positions. Veach addressed that subject at the scouting combine.

“I think there's the old-school. I mean, you're always going to O-line, D-line; those positional values are there,” Veach said Feb. 24. “You see them in free agency. But at the same time, I mean, arguably, some of the best players in this draft are maybe at non-premium positions, when you look at the Ohio State linebacker, the Notre Dame running back, the safety from Ohio State.”

mauigo — Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Veach said those three players, respectively off-ball linebacker Sonny Styles, running back Jeremiyah Love and safety Caleb Downs, have no fault in their film. But All-Pro players at premium positions like edge rusher don’t become available as unrestricted free agents five years down the road.

“The problem with those guys is they're hard to find, and they don't really become available in free agency,” Veach explained. “Some of those other positions, they're good players; you'll probably eventually get a chance to get some of those positions. So, that's kind of the things you have to wait for, kind of go through and weigh out all the options.”

The option to exit the first round without an edge rusher would not be a wise decision for the Chiefs.