NFL Draft Analyst Predicts Titans Will Select Texas Tech Edge David Bailey

Analyst believes new head coach Robert Saleh will push for the team to draft the pass rusher with the 4th overall pick.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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According to NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline, the Tennessee Titans are likely to select Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the 4th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Pauline believes new Titans head coach Robert Saleh will have significant input on the pick and will push for Bailey, who is seen as a strong system fit for Saleh's defensive scheme.

Why it matters

The Titans have a major need at edge rusher heading into the draft, and Bailey is considered one of the top prospects at the position in this class. Saleh's influence as the new head coach could be a key factor in the Titans' decision-making process for their first-round pick.

The details

Pauline notes that Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi, who previously worked under Brett Veach in Kansas City, will be making the pick. However, Pauline is "sure" that Saleh will have a big say and will want the team to select Bailey, who he believes is a perfect fit for Saleh's defensive system.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Robert Saleh

The new head coach of the Tennessee Titans, previously the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.

Mike Borgonzi

The general manager of the Tennessee Titans, previously the assistant general manager for the Kansas City Chiefs.

David Bailey

A pass rusher from Texas Tech University who is projected to be one of the top edge prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's going to have a significant impact. First thing you've got to do is you've got to look at that Mike Borgonzi, the general manager who came from Kansas City as the assistant to Brett Veach. He's going to be the guy that makes the pick. But I know for a fact, I'm sure for a fact that Saleh is going to have a big input, and he's going to want David Bailey. You're going to want David Bailey with that fourth selection, the edge rusher from Texas Tech, because it's a system fit.”

— Tony Pauline, NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Titans will continue to evaluate prospects and make their final decision on the 4th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April.

The takeaway

The Titans' new head coach Robert Saleh is expected to have significant influence on the team's first-round draft pick, and he is believed to be high on Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey as a strong fit for his defensive scheme. This could lead the Titans to select Bailey with the 4th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.