We’re a month away from free agency, and the Washington generals have a lot of needs. There is no greater need than a dominant edge rusher. Commanders could discuss the free-agent position next month, or they could wait until the 2026 NFL Draft in April.
Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) and David Bailey (Texas Tech) are largely considered the top prospects in the draft, with both typically ranking in the top 10 of most mock drafts. We’ve seen Bane and Bailey mocked in Washington in recent weeks.
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But one NFL draft analyst doesn’t think the Commanders will land Bailey.
Longtime NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline of Essentials Sports believes Bailey will go to the Tennessee Titans with the fourth overall pick.
“Mike Borgonzi, the general manager coming out of Kansas City, being Brett Veach’s assistant, he’s going to be the one making the choice, but I know a fact, I’m sure of a fact, [Titans new head coach Robert] Saleh is going to make a big contribution,” Pauline said.
“He’s going to want David Bailey as the fourth option, an edge rusher out of Texas Tech. Because it fits the system, it fits a need, he’s a great player, just look at his history. He likes that type of player.”
While no one knows what Washington thinks of Bailey, he is the best pure pass rusher in the draft. While he’s not as powerful as Bane, he can make an impact on Day 1 chasing down the quarterback.
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Pauline was right. The Titans also need an edge rusher. They used a second-round pick on Femi Oadejo last season, but he played in just six games as a rookie and had no sacks.
The Commanders have multiple needs and could use the seventh overall pick to select any of the four Ohio State players on the board: linebacker/edge Avir Reese, safety Caleb Downs, linebacker Sonny Styles or wide receiver Carnell Tate. Everyone is in a position of need.
There’s still a long way to go between now and April, but it looks like the Titans may be targeting Bailey, taking a potential top target away from Washington.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Another team targeting David Bailey?
