How the Cowboys can fix a mistake they once made on defense
The Dallas Cowboys need help on defense, with the edge rushing group being one of their needs. After trading away Micah Parsons, the team has been searching for quality replacements. Draft picks like Donovan Ezeiruaku and trade acquisition Rashan Gary are two players the team is counting on for this upcoming season, but it seems apparent that more help is required. No one would answer the call more effectively than a player who is one of this year’s top prospects. Obviously Dallas would have to trade some picks/players to make this happen.
David Bailey, Texas Tech
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 251 pounds | Speed: 4.5 forty time
Background
Bailey’s journey to the NFL draft is a tale of two conferences and a whole lot of backfield disruptions. He spent his first three collegiate seasons at Stanford, where he quickly became the focal point of the Cardinal defense and consistently made life miserable for Pac-12 quarterbacks. After proving he could handle the academic rigors of Palo Alto while simultaneously deconstructing offensive lines, he took his talents to Lubbock for a senior season at Texas Tech. His transition to the Big 12 was seamless, as he brought a level of veteran savvy and explosive production to the Red Raiders, racking up a nation-tying 14.5 sacks. Bailey remained just as hot in the Texas heat as he did in Northern California, making him one of the top pass-rushing prospects in this year’s draft.
Strengths
The first thing you notice when watching him work is an explosive first step that often leaves offensive tackles wondering if he jumped early. He possesses the kind of rare agility that allows him to navigate through traffic swiftly, and his bend around the edge is a thing of beauty. His hip flexibility allows him to get low and lean into his turns, making him a nightmare for taller blockers who struggle to mirror his low center of gravity. It is the type of twitchy athleticism that defensive line coaches dream about.
Beyond just being fast, he shows a relentless nature when fighting through blocks. He does not just give up if a lineman gets a hand on him. Instead, he utilizes a sophisticated array of pass-rushing moves to shed contact and stay on his path to the quarterback. His exceptional athleticism is not just for show, as it translates into functional power and closing speed that make him a dangerous pursuit defender. Whether he is using a dip and rip or a quick inside swim, he has the tools to keep blockers guessing for all four quarters.
Weaknesses
While his speed is elite, he does come with a limited size profile that might make some traditionalists nervous. There is a feeling among some scouts that he might have already maxed out his frame, leaving little room to grow into a more massive interior presence. This lack of pure sand in his pants means he can occasionally be overpowered by double teams or washed out of the play by heavy-footed offensive tackles in the run game. Furthermore, his processing speed in the heat of the moment can sometimes lead him to be susceptible to redirection, as savvy linemen can use his own momentum against him if he does not stay disciplined with his eyes.
The Fit
In the new defensive structure under the current Cowboys coaching staff, his traits align perfectly with the aggressive philosophy championed by Christian Parker. The team’s new defensive coordinator values defenders with high-end lateral movement and the ability to cover ground quickly. While he may not be a prototypical three-down defensive lineman, he has the athletic traits to get there, and in the meantime, he’ll be an elite edge burner who can maintain a high level of pressure. His ability to drop into space or scream off the edge gives the coaching staff the versatility they crave in a modern NFL defense.
The Final Word
He is currently projected to be a top five pick, possibly third overall. This puts him out of their range; however, there have been some rumblings that the Cowboys may consider a possible trade-up scenario with Bailey’s name being the player worthy of such a move. This would give the Cowboys a high-upside edge rusher who can immediately contribute on passing downs while developing his functional strength. He’s the one player in this draft that has a chance to wipe away that Parsons remorse that the team just can’t seem to get away from.
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