David Bailey vs Will Anderson Jr and Jared Verse: Where the 2026 Combine Breakout Star Fits Among Recent Edge Rushers
Texas Tech's David Bailey ran the fastest 40-yard dash among defensive ends at the 2026 Combine. Here's how he stacks up against recent edge-rushing phenoms.
This piece represents analysis and perspective from the author.
The Fastest Edge Rusher in Indianapolis Just Changed the 2026 Draft Board
David Bailey didn't just run the fastest 40-yard dash among defensive ends at the 2026 NFL Combine — he obliterated the field with a 4.50-second time that had scouts reaching for their stopwatches twice. The Texas Tech transfer from Stanford emerged as the Combine's breakout star, but the real question isn't whether Bailey can run — it's whether he belongs in the same conversation as recent edge-rushing phenoms like Will Anderson Jr. and Jared Verse.
Bailey's 2025 season at Texas Tech was a statistical masterpiece: 52 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, and 81 pressures — the most in the FBS. His 39.5% win rate in true pass sets ranked 4th among all edge rushers with minimum qualifiers. Those numbers don't just pop off the page; they demand comparison to the recent crop of first-round edge talents.
The Numbers Game: Bailey vs. Recent Edge Prospects
Let's stack Bailey against the two most recent edge-rushing supernovas:
Will Anderson Jr. (2023): 70 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, 31 pressures in his final season at Alabama. Anderson measured 6'4", 253 pounds with 34½-inch arms and ran a 4.53 40-yard dash at the 2023 Combine.
Jared Verse (2023): 37 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 12 sacks in his final season at Florida State. Verse checked in at 6'4", 264 pounds with 33⅝-inch arms and a 4.77 40-yard dash at the 2023 Combine.
Bailey's measurables tell a different story: 6'3", 250 pounds, with 10¼-inch hands and 33¾-inch arms. His 35-inch vertical leap and 129-inch broad jump suggest explosive athleticism that rivals Anderson's, despite the size differential.
The Movement Comparison That Matters
The most intriguing comparison isn't statistical — it's stylistic. Bailey has been compared to a young Dwyane Wade in how he moves: slashing to the basket and bouncing through contact. That translates to his pass-rush approach, where he flattens and shrink-wraps the pocket with a suddenness that reminds scouts of Anderson's burst.
But here's where the comparison gets complicated: Bailey's skinny legs and lack of ideal length (33¾-inch arms versus Anderson's 34½) raise questions about his ability to anchor against the run at the next level. His best fit appears to be as an odd-front rush linebacker early in his career, with potential to develop into a Pro Bowl player if his strength and hand usage continue to improve.
The Draft Projection Puzzle
Bailey currently sits at No. 4 on PFF's Big Board with a 93.3 grade, but his draft range is fascinatingly wide. Some projections have him going Top 10, while others see him sliding into the late first round due to concerns about his size and run defense.
Compare that to Anderson, who went No. 3 overall to the Texans in 2023, or Verse, who went No. 17 overall to the Rams. Bailey's Combine performance suggests he could push into that Top 15 conversation, but his measurables might limit him to a more traditional edge role rather than the every-down dominance Anderson displayed at Alabama.
What to Watch: Pro Day and Pre-Draft Process
The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Green Bay, giving teams six weeks to dig deeper into Bailey's game film and medicals. His pro day performance could be crucial — if he can add weight while maintaining his explosiveness, he could solidify himself as a Top 10 pick. If not, he might slide into that late-first-round range where teams can develop him as a designated pass rusher.
The Verdict: Different Player, Similar Ceiling
Bailey isn't Anderson or Verse — he's his own unique prospect with a different skill set. Where Anderson was a complete, every-down force and Verse was a power-based rusher, Bailey is an explosive, movement-based pass rusher who could become a double-digit sack artist in the right system.
His 4.50 40-yard dash at the Combine wasn't just the fastest among defensive ends — it was a statement that athleticism can overcome size concerns. The question for NFL teams isn't whether Bailey can rush the passer (he proved that with 81 pressures in 2025) — it's whether they're willing to bet on his development as a complete edge defender.
The answer to that question will determine where Bailey lands on draft night, but one thing is clear: the 2026 Combine breakout star has earned his place in the conversation with recent edge-rushing legends, even if his path to stardom looks different than theirs.