Texas Tech star could solve major problem for Commanders

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Jan 2, 2026 - 15:30
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Texas Tech star could solve major problem for Commanders

The Washington Commanders need plenty of help this offseason, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Commanders rank at or near the bottom in most defensive metrics. They've struggled to stop the run, the pass, get pressure on opposing quarterbacks and force turnovers.

Something Washington really needs is a dominant edge rusher. Good news: the Commanders, who will have a top-seven pick in the 2026 NFL draft, will have options.

In Wednesday's College Football Playoff game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Miami Hurricanes, there were several top defensive prospects on display for both teams. Miami edge Rueben Bain stood out the most, turning in his second consecutive dominant CFP performance.

On Thursday, it was another top edge rusher's turn: Texas Tech's David Bailey. While Bailey's Red Raiders were no match for the Oregon Ducks, who ended Texas Tech's dream season, Bailey showed up to play.

Bailey continued his dominant season with a performance to remember against the Ducks, finishing with nine tackles, including two for loss, two passes defensed and one sack. Just watch these highlights from Bailey's performance against Oregon.

What's not to like? In these clips, you see Bailey's dominance off the edge, defending the run, getting into passing lanes, and hustling on every snap. He did this against a standout Oregon offensive line, who are all much bigger than him. It didn't matter. Bailey showed his power, moveset, speed, and hand usage.

At 22, Bailey's best football is in front of him. He played three years at Stanford before transferring to Texas Tech. He improved in each of his four seasons. He finished his college career as a unanimous All-American for the Red Raiders, recording 19.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks.

The knock on Bailey is his run defense. It doesn't appear to be a problem here, and advanced stats don't show a poor run defender. The Commanders need someone to get after the passer. That's Bailey.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has Bailey as his No. 6 overall prospect, offering the following evaluation:

A transfer from Stanford, Bailey gets after the quarterback. He had 14.5 sacks over three seasons for the Cardinal, and he has notably become more of a finisher this season. His 19.9% pressure rate is the best in the nation, and he is up to 13.5 sacks in 13 games with the Red Raiders, unlocking another level of his game.

Here's what PFF lead draft analyst Trevor Sikkema said about Bailey during the Orange Bowl game between Oregon and Texas Tech.

Bailey will be at the Senior Bowl this month, which should only help his draft stock. He's already a surefire top-10 pick. Don't be surprised if a week in Mobile moves him inside the top five.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Texas Tech star David Bailey could fix defense

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