The Georgia Bulldogs defense needs new additions with linebacker Jalon Walker and edge Mykel Williams among the key defenders heading for the 2025 NFL Draft. Georgia's defense held firm throughout 2024 in most situations but faltered at times against scrambling quarterbacks and physical rushing attacks.
After losing Damon Wilson and Samuel M'Pemba to the Missouri Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies, respectively, the Bulldogs have now focused on a current ACC defender who is headed for the transfer portal.
Georgia has their eyes on junior linebacker David Bailey from the Stanford Cardinals, per On3's Jake Rowe of DawgsHQ, after the defender entered the portal.
"DawgsHQ has reported on multiple occasions that Georgia will be targeting EDGE and defensive end in the spring transfer portal window," Rowe wrote on March 28. "A player who could end up being a major target for the Bulldogs put his name in on Thursday - Stanford's David Bailey.
"Bailey is able to enter the portal before the window opens because Cardinal general manager Andrew Luck made the decision earlier this week to fire head coach Troy Taylor. That gives Stanford players a 30-day window to put their name in."
Stanford EDGE transfer David Bailey is currently visiting Texas Tech, a source tells @On3sports.
Bailey has totaled 14.5 sacks in his career.https://t.co/2y7lRotp0Kpic.twitter.com/fCh1e1CA3i
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) March 31, 2025
Things could get expensive for Georgia if the Dawgs hope to land Bailey. The defender's projected NIL value is $1.1 million, per On3.
General manager Andrew Luck dismissal of head coach Troy Taylor left the door open for Bailey and other Stanford players to transfer, despite the portal window not opening until April 16.
A few clips from Stanford's win over Kyle McCord and Syracuse last year that show why David Bailey will be a coveted player in the transfer portal.
Bailey (23) finished the game with four tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble.pic.twitter.com/HApMslykO7https://t.co/HicsoOsHdG
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) March 28, 2025
Bailey finished last season with 31 tackles (22 solo and 9 assisted), seven sacks and five forced fumbles. On3 rates him at 97, giving him a four-star status in the portal. Bailey is ranked as a top-10 player in the portal rankings and the No. 2 EDGE defender by On3.
Bailey's ability to pressure quarterbacks and stifle the run fills critical gaps in Georgia's defense. With a track record of reliability, Bailey's skill set positions him to contribute immediately, potentially shoring up the Bulldogs' front seven and elevating their defensive consistency this season.
The challenge is the Dawgs will have competition for Bailey in the transfer portal.
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This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 9:48 AM.