The Tennessee Titans enter the offseason needing to acquire premium talent at several keynote positions. One of the biggest items on Mike Borgonzi's to-do list is finding an elite pass rusher at EDGE to pair with Jeffery Simmons on the defensive line. Well, one potential target recently made a loud statement on a national stage.
Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey was outstanding in the Red Raiders' College Football Playoff loss to Oregon. Bailey showcased athleticism, violence, and first-step explosiveness. He's established himself as a top prospect for the upcoming pre-draft process.
The Titans clinched the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft following Sunday's Week 18 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Taking a pass rusher with that selection should garner consideration. Bailey's performance against Oregon elevated himself into that conversation.
David Bailey firmly on Titans' NFL Draft radar after explosive performance
Most early mock drafts had the Titans taking Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. or Ohio State hybrid linebacker Arvell Reese. Bain has also been outstanding for Miami throughout the playoffs despite previously losing momentum. Bailey is now rubbing shoulders with them both.
Bailey concludes his campaign with a CFB-high 14.5 sacks. His scouting report is straightforward. He's an athletic and long pass rusher who possesses the athleticism needed to win consistently. Bain and Reese have far bigger looming questions, ranging from arm length to positional value and projection.
The Titans don't have any starting-caliber pass rushers on the roster heading into the offseason. Veterans Arden Key and Jihad Ward are on expiring contracts. Rookie Femi Oladejo had a disappointing season and should be viewed as a rotational defender at best.
Bailey looks like a prospect capable of solving the Titans' pass-rushing problem. Whether Borgonzi and the scouting staff believe he's worthy of the fourth overall pick remains to be seen. Based on what Bailey displayed versus Oregon, the selection would be more than worth it.