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Could the Cowboys Trade Up for David Bailey? Texas Tech Star Emerges as Top-5 Prospect

April 11th, 2026

Could the Cowboys Trade Up for David Bailey? Texas Tech Star Emerges as Top-5 Prospect

With the 2026 NFL Draft just weeks away, the buzz surrounding Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey has reached a crescendo, with reports suggesting he could be the first defensive player off the board. Bailey, an absolute menace off the edge, has seen his draft stock skyrocket following a 2025 season that saw him lead the Red Raiders to their most successful campaign in program history. Rumors are now swirling that the Dallas Cowboys are considering a blockbuster trade to move up into the top three picks specifically to target the Lubbock legend and keep him in the Lone Star State.

The hype is well-deserved given Bailey’s historic production in Joey McGuire’s defensive system. In 2025, Bailey recorded a staggering 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, totals that paced the Big 12 and earned him unanimous All-American honors. Standing 6'3" and weighing 251 pounds, Bailey’s combination of a lightning-fast first step and a refined arsenal of pass-rush moves—including a devastating shoulder dip and spin—has made him the top-ranked defensive end on nearly every scout's board. 'Whoever gets David Bailey is getting a disruptive talent that will be a household name on NFL Sundays for years,' noted one veteran draft analyst.

While the Cowboys are the most prominent team linked to Bailey, they aren't alone in their pursuit. The New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals are also reportedly enamored with his ability to create chaos in the backfield. Bailey’s journey to the top of the draft boards began at Stanford, where he spent three seasons before transferring to Texas Tech for his senior year. That move proved to be the catalyst for his transformation from a promising prospect into a dominant force. His ability to adjust to blockers' sets on the fly and his relentless pursuit of the ball-carrier have made his film a favorite among NFL front offices looking for an immediate impact starter.

The Red Raiders’ 2025 season, which included a deep run into the College Football Playoff, served as the perfect showcase for Bailey’s talents. In high-stakes matchups against Big 12 rivals, he consistently delivered game-changing plays, totaling eight forced fumbles over his final two collegiate seasons. Coach Joey McGuire has frequently praised Bailey’s work ethic and 'want-to,' noting that his impact on the locker room was just as significant as his impact on the stat sheet. As the draft approaches, the question isn't whether Bailey will be a star, but which team will be aggressive enough to secure his services.

For Texas Tech fans, Bailey’s projected top-five selection is a testament to the program's growth under McGuire. If the rumors regarding a Cowboys trade-up hold true, Bailey would join a defense already featuring elite talent, potentially forming one of the most feared pass-rushing duos in the NFL. Regardless of where he lands, David Bailey’s legacy as one of the most feared players in Texas Tech history is secure. His 2026 draft journey is the final chapter of a collegiate career defined by growth, explosiveness, and a relentless motor that never stops until the whistle blows.

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