With two first-round picks at their disposal, Dallas has the ammunition to make a massive statement on defense — and all signs point to them aggressively targeting one of the most explosive pass rushers in the class: Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey.
According to Dallas Morning News Cowboys insider Joseph Hoyt, Bailey isn’t just a solid prospect — he’s worthy of a top-five selection. The former Stanford transfer was a wrecking ball for the Red Raiders in 2025, recording a nation-leading 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. His production anchored one of the most improved and stingiest defenses in college football, transforming Texas Tech’s unit into a legitimate force.
Bailey’s blend of elite first-step quickness, length, and relentless motor makes him a nightmare for offensive tackles. At 6-4 and 251 pounds with a reported 4.50-second 40-yard dash, he possesses the rare combination of size, speed, and production that NFL teams crave in a modern edge defender. Hoyt highlights what separates Bailey: his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield consistently, something the Cowboys’ pass rush has desperately lacked in recent seasons.
Speculation is swirling that the Cowboys could look to trade up into the top five to secure him. With picks at No. 12 and No. 20 (based on current projections), Dallas has the capital to move. However, Hoyt cautions against going all-in. Moving into the top five would likely cost the Cowboys all three of their top-100 selections, a steep price that could deplete their ability to address other glaring defensive needs in the later rounds.
“Barring a significant draft-day slide, the recommendation is to stay put,” Hoyt noted. While Bailey represents one of the highest-upside talents available, the Cowboys’ defensive roster has multiple holes — from the secondary to the interior line — that their existing draft capital could help fill more comprehensively.
Still, the allure is undeniable. Bailey isn’t just another edge prospect; he’s a 2025 sack machine who could immediately inject life into Dallas’ defensive front. Imagine him lining up opposite Micah Parsons — the potential for chaos in opposing backfields would be off the charts.
“DALLAS IS COMING FOR BLOOD.”
If the Cowboys pull the trigger on a bold move for Bailey, it would signal a clear shift in philosophy: prioritizing game-changing defensive talent over spreading resources thinly. The franchise has the picks, the need, and now the perfect target in a player who dominated after transferring from Stanford and becoming the heartbeat of Texas Tech’s resurgence.
Whether they trade up or stand pat and hope he falls, one thing is certain — the Cowboys are locked in on upgrading their pass rush. And David Bailey might just be the explosive difference-maker they’ve been waiting for.
The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for America’s Team. If Bailey is the prize, expect Jerry Jones and the front office to at least make the phone calls. The nuke is armed. Now it’s time to see where it lands.
