Cincinnati Bengals eye Texas Tech star David Bailey in mock draft frenzy
As the NFL regular season approaches its climax, the chatter surrounding potential draft picks is heating up. Pro Football Focus writer Dalton Wasserman recently released a new mock draft, projecting the Cincinnati Bengals to select Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the tenth overall pick.
Bengals’ Draft Positioning
With the Bengals poised to land anywhere between the eighth and thirteenth pick in the upcoming draft, the choice of Bailey appears to be a strategic move. Wasserman points to the impending departure of Cincinnati’s standout pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson, who is expected to play elsewhere by 2026. “Cincinnati replaces his pass-rush production here with Texas Tech’s David Bailey, who leads the FBS with a 93.9 PFF pass-rush grade, 77 pressures, and 14 sacks,” he noted, highlighting the impressive metrics that make Bailey a compelling prospect.
Upcoming Challenge for Bailey
Bailey’s stock could rise even higher with a strong performance in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals against Oregon’s top-ranked pass-blocking unit. Such a showcase could bolster his appeal as a top-tier edge rusher and solidify his place in the draft conversation.
Comparing Mock Drafts
Interestingly, Wasserman’s projection mirrors an earlier mock draft by PFF writer Max Chadwick, who had Cincinnati selecting Bailey at the ninth spot. This consistency suggests that Bailey will likely be a popular choice among analysts over the coming months. Currently, he stands tenth overall on the NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board and is second among edge rushers, trailing only Miami (FL) standout Rueben Bain, who has also been linked to the Bengals.
Bengals’ Edge Rusher Options
The Bengals have a wealth of options at their disposal, with nine edge rushers ranked among the top 50 prospects. However, Bain and Bailey appear to carry the highest likelihood of success for Cincinnati in the first round. As the draft approaches, the Bengals’ front office will be closely monitoring the performance of these athletes to make an informed decision.
Stay Informed on Bengals Draft News
For the latest updates on the Bengals and their draft strategy, fans can engage with the team’s comprehensive content across various platforms. From in-depth analysis to exclusive interviews, resources abound for those eager to follow Cincinnati’s journey as they prepare for the upcoming selection process.
