NFL draft prospect David Bailey
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: David Bailey of the Texas Tech Red Raiders participates in the 40-yard dash during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Kansas City Chiefs have already hosted several of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft on top-30 visits.
A top-30 visit is a formal meeting between a draft prospect and an NFL team at its facilities. There are no workouts, but players meet with coaches and executives to get a feel if they are a good fit for each other, while also undergoing medical evaluations.
This past week, the Chiefs met with another player who is considered to be one of the best at his position. It is a notable visit because Kansas City may need to trade up for its No. 9 overall pick to select him.
Kansas City Chiefs Hosted Texas Tech Edge Rusher David Bailey on Top-30 Visit
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Chiefs have met with Bailey.
Ian Rapoport
Texas Tech edge David Bailey, one of the Draft’s top players at his position, spent this week visiting the #Cowboys (12th) and #Chiefs (9th), per me and @MikeGarafolo. He also visited with the #AZCardinals (3rd) the week after the Combine.
Bailey has consistently been ranked among the top three best edge rushers in this year’s draft class, and some believe he tops them all. Despite it being a top need, he is the only edge rusher the Chiefs have hosted on a top-30 visit so far.
Bailey tied for the most sacks in Division 1 College Football during the 2025 season with 14.5. He also racked up 52 total tackles, three forced fumbles, and three passes defensed. For those efforts, Bailey was named a Unanimous All-American and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year.
Bailey has desirable length at 6-foot-4 and arms measuring at 33 3/4-inches. He has a quick first step off the line of scrimmage and good bend off the edge. Kansas City typically goes for heavier defensive ends, as Bailey weighs in at approximately 250 pounds. However, he could always put a little weight on, and his explosiveness makes up for lack of power.
As Rapoport noted, Bailey has also met with the Arizona Cardinals, who pick third overall. Bailey could easily be off the board by the time the Chiefs hit the clock at ninth overall, meaning if they are really all-in on him, they will have to trade up to get him. Kansas City has a solid amount of draft capitol to work with, owning nine picks in total.
Other Potential Options for the Chiefs With No. 9 Overall Pick
Rueben Bain
GettyMiami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.
The Chiefs could go a number of different ways with their first selection. Sticking with edge rushers, Rueben Bain Jr. would be tough to pass on if he’s still available at No. 9. Last season at Miami he recorded 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. Bain has all the physical gifts you want in a pass rusher, and utilizes them by playing with a high motor.
Another EDGE who could be considered is Arvell Reese, who fits a similar profile to Bailey. Kansas City could decide to address its secondary with its ninth pick, with options such as safety Caleb Downs and cornerback Mansoor Delane potentially being available. Both are considered by many to be at the top of their respective positions.
If the Chiefs decide to go offense at nine, they could choose between a pair of wide receivers in Carnell Tate an Makai Lemon. Tate has a great blend of size and speed, recording 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns for Ohio State in 2025. Lemon is a fast and shifty receiver who posted 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns for USC in 2025.