The NFL Combine workouts kicked off on February 26, 2026, with participants undergoing measurements and team meetings throughout the week. However, it was on Thursday that the on-field activities commenced, highlighted by the eagerly anticipated 40-yard dash. Among the athletes looking to make an impression was David Bailey Jr., an edge rusher from Texas Tech.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 250 pounds, Bailey showcased his speed during this critical event. He recorded an exceptional time in the 40-yard dash, which has become a focal point for scouts and teams alike. Bailey”s first attempt yielded an official time of 4.50 seconds, making it the fastest recorded for his position group at the combine. He followed that up with a second run, clocking in at 4.54 seconds.
Despite his impressive performance, Bailey”s time did not place him among the top ten fastest 40-yard dashes for defensive linemen in combine history. The fastest times recorded in this category were as follows:
- Amare Barno, Virginia Tech – 4.36 seconds
- Nolan Smith, Georgia – 4.39 seconds
- Montez Sweat, Mississippi State – 4.41 seconds
- Byron Young, Tennessee – 4.43 seconds
- Marcus Howard, Georgia – 4.45 seconds
- Dallas Turner, Alabama – 4.46 seconds
- Sam Williams, Ole Miss – 4.46 seconds
- James Pearce Jr., Tennessee – 4.47 seconds
- Chop Robinson, Penn State – 4.48 seconds
- Robert Beal Jr., Georgia – 4.48 seconds
Looking ahead to the upcoming draft, Mel Kiper Jr. has ranked Bailey as the fourth-best prospect. Analysts anticipate that he will be among the first players selected in April”s draft. Currently, Kiper projects Bailey to be chosen by the Arizona Cardinals with the third overall pick. Other analysts, including Henry McKenna from Fox Sports, Garrett Podell from CBS Sports, and Lance Zierlein from NFL Network, predict that Bailey could land with the Tennessee Titans at the fourth pick. Meanwhile, Vinnie Iyer from Sporting News has him dropping to eighth overall, where he might end up with the New Orleans Saints.
