Players are already arriving in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine, and drills start Thursday with the defensive linemen and linebackers. The New Orleans Saints should have their eyes glued to this day and David Bailey in particular.
In his only year at Texas Tech, Bailey was a quarterback's worst nightmare. He utilized his speed to be one of the best pressure players in the country and finished the season with 14.5 sacks. That tied for the most in FBS college football.
Bailey has flew under the radar when the best defensive players in the draft are discussed. That could all change this week. The broad jump and vertical jump will be the most important metrics for Bailey, with the 10 yard split as a clear third. If Bailey tests well in those events, it'll put numbers to the explosiveness that's obvious on his film. Film is paramount, but it's great when the numbers match the eye test.
The Saints won't get a chance at David Bailey if he blows away the NFL Combine
David Bailey would be a great pick for the Saints in the first round. He would fill a huge position of need with a productive player. The problem is if he goes to the Combine and shows out, he'll never make it to the eighth pick.
With a strong Combine performance, the Texas Tech edge rusher should all but solidify his position within the top 5. It's felt like Bailey was a fringe top 10 pick early in the draft process. We're still early in draft season, but he's already seeing his stock rise.
Instead of being a player who is in the top 10 of some mock drafts, Bailey is seeing himself as the second overall pick in a couple of mock drafts. The ascension is already starting, and we haven't even made it to the NFL Scouting Combine yet. That's the point where we see most players jump up boards.
There's two reasons for that. Draft experts begin to talk to personnel connected to the team and get a better idea of where players sit on team boards. Also, strong athletic testing naturally bolsters a player's case. It happens every year. Sometimes it's justified. Sometimes it isn't.
His creep up the boards suggests Bailey is already benefitting from the former. With the right athletic testing, Bailey can likely stamp himself as a top 5 pick. Either way, the Saints would be getting a steal if he drops to them.