When it comes to the NFL Draft and the New York Jets, few insiders possess the longevity and insight that Tony Pauline boasts. That's notable, given the Tennessee Titans are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft with former Jets head coach Robert Saleh as their new leader.
Pauline had a front row seat to Saleh's first head coaching job. So, when he speaks about players or coaches that Saleh might want to bring to the Titans, fans should take note.
He went above and beyond that when recently discussing who he believes the Titans will draft with the fourth overall selection in the 2026 draft.
NFL Draft insider Tony Pauline believes the Titans will select an EDGE at No. 4 overall
"I’d be shocked if the Titans pass on him." 😳
— EssentiallySports (@ES_sportsnews) February 5, 2026
EssentiallySports' Draft expert @TonyPauline believes David Bailey is the perfect target for the #Titans at pick No. 4.
Is this the missing piece for the Titans’ defense? 🤔#NFLDraft2026 pic.twitter.com/Xq3VgOD5yF
In that video, Pauline says in no uncertain terms that he believes that Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey will be the next player drafted by the Titans (something that Titan Sized has speculated).
"How does Robert Saleh being hired by Tennessee affect the fourth pick of the draft? I think it is going to have a significant impact. First think you gotta do is you gotta look at Mike Borgonzi the general manager that came from Kansas City...He is gonna be the guy who makes the pick, but I know for a fact, I'm sure for a fact that Saleh's going to have a big input and he is gonna want David Bailey with that fourth selection...because it is a system fit, it fits a need, he's an outstanding player, and just look at his history. He likes that type of player when he was with the Jets they drafted Jermaine Johnson, they traded back into the first round of the 2022 draft to draft Johnson, and then a year later they shocked a lot of people by taking Will McDonald...David Bailey with the fourth pick is a natural fit and I think that is what Robert Saleh is going to want...I would be shocked if David Bailey is available with the fourth pick and they pass him up. Shocked."
That isn't just a throwaway line; that is a few minutes of continuous discussion on why he believes that Bailey is a perfect fit for what Saleh wants, and even though he concedes that GM Mike Borgonzi will be the one making the selection, he expects Saleh to have a big voice in the room.
Pauline reiterated that Bailey is a scheme fit for Saleh and that he is a good player who could be spectacular in the new Titans defense. We are still more than two months away from the draft, and billions of dollars will be spent in free agency across the NFL between now and then, but circle and highlight Bailey's name as a player to watch for the Titans.
That feels notable coming from Pauline, who has inside information on Saleh's preferences and how the draft is shaping up from a league-wide perspective.