Washington Commanders
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A detailed view of a Washington Commanders football helmet prior to a game against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Washington Commanders have been busy throughout the early stages of the 2026 NFL offseason.
After missing out on the playoffs in 2025, the Commanders are clearly motivated to get back on track. In 2024, they made a shocking run to the NFC Championship Game. They were expected to become a serious contender in the conference last season.
Injuries played a major role in Washington’s poor 2025 campaign. Jayden Daniels, the team’s star second-year quarterback, only played in seven games. With the right offseason move and good health, the Commanders could be a contender in 2026.
Keeping that in mind, Washington has been linked to a potential move for a 29-sack pass rusher this offseason.
Washington Commanders Could Add Major Boost to Pass Rush
CBS Sports analyst Garrett Podell has revealed a new mock draft on Friday, March 13. In that mock draft, he projected the Commanders to take Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the No. 7 overall pick.
“The Commanders signed former Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal in order to feel like they don’t have to reach for a non-premium position in the top 10 of this draft,” Podell wrote.
“That signing will empower them to select college football’s 2025 sacks leader in Texas Tech’s David Bailey. Pairing him with free agent acquisition Odafe Oweh should be a lot of fun.”
Bailey played four college seasons, with his first three coming at Stanford. He finished out his career with the Red Raiders and did so with a bang. In 2025, he racked up 52 total tackles, 14.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three defended passes.
Throughout his entire four-year college career, Bailey totaled 163 tackles, 29 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and three defended passes.
How Would Bailey Fit Into the Commanders’ Defense?
So fart his season, Washington has made quite a few moves. Let’s take a closer look at the additions the front office has made.
The Commanders have signed defensive end Odafe Oweh, running back Rachaad White, linebacker Leo Chenal, cornerback Amik Robertson, defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson, tight end Chig Okonkwo, defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr., safety Nick Cross, wide receivers Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson, defensive end Charles Omenihu, and quarterback Marcus Mariota.
That is a long list of moves for Washington. Many of them have focused on improving the defensive side of the football.
Should the Commanders keep with that trend in the 2026 NFL Draft, there are few players who would be better suited than Bailey. He’s well worth keeping a close eye on as the draft draws closer.
Adding to the intrigue of Bailey, NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein has compared him to Denver Broncos star pass rusher Nik Bonitto.
Expect to continue hearing Washington be active as the offseason moves forward. The Commanders are motivated to pursue a Super Bowl. Taking Bailey in the draft could help them towards that goal.