by The energy in Indianapolis shifted the moment David Bailey stepped onto the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium. For a Washington team starving for a game-changer on the edge, the Texas Tech standout didn’t just meet expectations—he obliterated them. As a primary Commanders draft target 2026 NFL Combine standout, Bailey’s workout was the equivalent of a loud siren wailing through the facility, signaling to General Manager Adam Peters that the search for a premier pass rusher might have found its definitive answer.
The Numbers: A “Freak Show” in Indy
When scouts talk about “explosiveness,” they usually point to Bailey’s first step, but his testing numbers provided the mathematical proof. The Commanders draft target 2026 NFL Combine hopeful clocked a stunning 4.5-second 40-yard dash at 250 pounds, a time that puts him in the elite tier of modern edge defenders. His 1.62-second 10-yard split was equally impressive, showcasing the immediate “twitch” that allowed him to rack up 14.5 sacks last season for the Red Raiders.
The Vertical Threat: Defying Gravity
It wasn’t just the straight-line speed that had the Washington coaching staff leaning forward in their seats. Every high-priority Commanders draft target 2026 NFL Combine prospect is expected to be athletic, but Bailey’s 35-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-9 broad jump demonstrated rare lower-body power. These metrics are vital for a Dan Quinn-led defense that relies on edge rushers who can “bend the arc” and explode toward the quarterback from a dead stop.
Schematic Fit: The Next Dan Quinn Alpha?
Washington’s defense struggled significantly in 2025, particularly in generating consistent pressure without blitzing. Looking at David Bailey as a Commanders draft target 2026 NFL Combine option makes perfect sense because of his versatility; he has the frame to play as a traditional defensive end but the fluidity to drop into space if needed. Quinn has a history of turning high-motored, athletic freaks into All-Pros, and Bailey fits that “alpha” mold perfectly.
Rising Stock: Is No. 7 Too Late?
The “spicy” reality for Washington fans is that Bailey may have played himself out of reach for the No. 7 overall pick. While he remains a top Commanders draft target 2026 NFL Combine priority, mock drafts are already seeing him slide into the top five after his Indy showcase. If teams like the Titans or Giants are as enamored with his 93.6 PFF grade as the Commanders are, Adam Peters might need to consider a trade-up to ensure this defensive cornerstone ends up in the Burgundy and Gold.
The “Safe” Alternatives: Safety Net Options
| Prospect | Position | School | Why They Fit |
| Arvell Reese | EDGE/LB | Ohio State | Freakish hybrid versatility |
| Caleb Downs | Safety | Ohio State | High-IQ leader for the secondary |
| Sonny Styles | Linebacker | Ohio State | Modern “positionless” defender |
Even if Bailey is gone, the list of Commanders draft target 2026 NFL Combine athletes remains deep, especially with the Ohio State pipeline looking particularly lucrative for a team needing defensive reinforcements at every level.
Conclusion: The Blueprint for April
The 2026 Combine has made one thing clear: the talent at the top of this draft is transformative. David Bailey has cemented his status as a “blue-chip” player, and his connection as a Commanders draft target 2026 NFL Combine standout is the biggest storyline following the D.C. area right now. Whether he’s there at pick seven or requires a bold move to acquire, the “explosive” label is officially permanent.
