If a top-three edge rusher remains on the board at No. 9 overall when the Chiefs pick on night one, executives would be hard-pressed to pass on one of them. The prevailing projections vary: some suggest all three go off the board, while others anticipate Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami as the last to fall. Yet one prominent analyst contends that Texas Tech edge David Bailey could drop to Kansas City at nine.
Bailey earned All-American honors in 2025, leading the Big 12 in tackles for loss (19.5) and pacing Division I with 14.5 sacks. Across a four-year collegiate career spanning Stanford and Texas Tech, he accumulated 42 tackles for loss and 29 sacks. While questions remain about his effectiveness as an edge-setter on early downs, his pass-rushing upside is undeniable.
Other draft prognostications place Bailey with the New York Jets at No. 2, reflecting strong belief in his disruptive potential. Still, if the top teams in the top five prioritize other positions, Bailey could become a Chiefs option at No. 9, particularly if the edge-rusher market tightens early.
Overall, the decision at No. 9 hinges on how the top five unfold. If Bailey or other top edge talents aren’t available, Kansas City may pivot toward securing a cornerback or a high-upside skill-position player. Regardless, the Chiefs’ 2026 edge-rush plan remains a focal point as they refine the defensive front for April’s draft.
