The Tennessee Titans hold the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and speculation is flying around. Between arguments surrounding Rueben Bain Jr. and Jeremiyah Love, many mock drafts have recently paired the Titans with Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey at No. 4.
Bailey has some of the tools you love to see on an NFL defensive front. He is incredibly explosive off the edge and has the speed to get to the backfield in a hurry. Last season, he accounted for 14.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. Despite his elite pass-rush ability, there are serious questions about his impact against the run.
Throughout the 2025 season, Bailey struggled to consistently set a hard edge against the run. Instead of anchoring with power, his run defense relies on agility and quickness to beat blocks. This strategy works on occasion, but most of the time it results in opening a run lane rather than standing his ground. That tendency is unlikely to translate well at the next level and may not be what head coach Robert Saleh wants from his defensive line.
David Bailey isn't ideal fit for Tennessee Titans in NFL Draft
The Titans' defensive staff has hinted at what they are looking for at the edge role. Titans DC Gus Bradley spoke on the position at his introductory press conference in February, saying, "One end is maybe an end on first and second down and might have the ability to slide inside on third down. Whereas the other end is maybe a true rusher. He's on the edge first, second, and third down as well."
Bailey thrives on the outside against tackles, allowing him to fully utilize his pass rush arsenal and consistently disrupt on passing downs. For this reason, it's difficult to imagine him sliding inside on third down. His questionable run defense could also affect his availability on early downs. This seems to contradict what the Titans might be looking for in an edge defender.
It's possible that Bailey's deficiencies in run defense could make him a designated pass rusher, limiting him to a rotational role. We find it hard to believe that Mike Borgonzi would be willing to spend the fourth overall pick on a pure pass rusher who may not have the ability to be a three-down player in Saleh's defense.