The Washington Commanders, according to CBS Sports, will address the need for a pass rush by projecting to grab Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. Blake Brockermeyer, the writer, possesses a different view about drafting a pass rusher. Playing nine years in the NFL gives him a unique perspective. When discussing Bailey, he offered effusive praise.
“David Bailey is a natural edge rusher with the ability to win with speed and exceptional quickness in tight spaces. He’s a dynamic player who can wreck a game and has shown improvement against the run. His highest upside comes as a pure pass rusher with his get-off and twitch.”
A Stanford transfer, Bailey arrived at Texas Tech with upside, and he capitalized on the opportunity. In 2025, he led the nation with 14.5 sacks. Also, he added 19.5 tackles for loss, which led the Big 12 Conference, and three forced fumbles. Bailey helped the Red Raiders to just their fifth double-digit-win season in school history. With his ability to bend the corner, TTU allowed 11.8 points per game.
If the Commanders do land Bailey, they hope that he can replicate his success on a professional field instead of the college gridiron. At six-foot-three and 250 pounds, Bailey can either play a standup role or with his hand in the dirt. As mentioned, his “get off,” or first step, allows him to make up the ground between himself and the blocker. When he arrives, the 2025 unanimous All-American can use a diverse mix of moves to get to the passer.
Furthermore, in the run game, Bailey pursues the ball well, regardless of the play’s direction. He uses burst and proper pursuit angles. While the Commanders shouldn’t ask Bailey to cover often, he shows adeptness at handling short-area routes underneath.
David Bailey is an absolute demon. If you want to the highest ceiling EDGE in this draft, this is your guy. https://t.co/3hSZKfb4Um pic.twitter.com/eJLWhynGAM
— Frankie V (@FrankieVitz) January 22, 2026
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Commanders’ Potential Drafting of Bailey Infuses Youth into Rush
In 2025, the Commanders tallied 42 sacks. Led by veteran Von Miller’s nine, the pass rush operated effectively in spots but struggled in others. Bailey immediately infuses the team with a power/speed combination it does not currently feature. In addition, the impending free agent status of a couple of rushers opens up a starting spot.
Miller, who turns 37 in March, could elect to either retire or join a contender. Similarly, Deatrich Wise Jr., signed to a one-year deal, played just two games before suffering a season-ending quadriceps injury. Also, he turns 32 in July and has never shown signs of being a twitchy athlete. Pairing Bailey with Dorrance Armstrong provides the team with bookends.
GettyWashington Commanders pass rusher Von Miller after a January 4, 2026 game against the Philadelphia Eagles
New DC Could Change Pass Rush Focus
On January 26, the organization hired Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones as their new defensive coordinator. Jones, with a background in the secondary, may focus on the pass coverage end of the unit.
New #Commanders DC Daronte Jones coaches with PASSION & LEADERSHIP
Here’s two minutes of him at the 2024 Senior Bowl #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/5j4JpzbYeb
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) January 27, 2026
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However, he does know that disruption upfront will lead to shorter coverage times for defensive backs and rushed throws. Up front, pairing Bailey with tackles Daron Payne and Jer’Zhan Newton could give the Commanders an inside/outside tandem. That tandem could force quarterbacks to get rid of the ball much faster.
GettyWashington Commanders DL Jer’Zhan Newton celebrates a tackle during a September 7, 2025 game.
Commanders Predicted to Replace Von Miller with “Natural Pass Rusher”