7 Round Miami Dolphins MOCK DRAFT by PFN

“Anthony Weaver deserves credit for turning around the Dolphins’ defense after a disastrous start and several player losses. Still, Miami will enter the 2026 offseason with a pressing need for improved personnel. David Bailey helps with that in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft.

At 6’3″, 247 pounds, Bailey appears a bit undersized off of the raw measurements — but his over 34″ arms give him a unique speed-to-power profile, and athletically, he’s the most dynamic edge rusher in the class with his instant burst, agility, and arc-running speed.

Bailey holds PFSN’s top CFB EDGE Impact grade with an elite score of 92.9, and per PFF, he’s generated pressure on an insane 24.1% of his rush reps, with an over 17% sack conversion rate. No one gets after the QB better, and there are flashes in run defense.”

The Draft Network Draft Profile

Size: 

Height: 6’2” (v) | Weight: 240 lbs (v)

Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List (2023)

“David Bailey is a hybrid edge defender whose athleticism and ability to align at multiple spots showcase an intriguing developmental prospect.”

Strengths: 

• Athletic
• Versatile
• Projection

Concerns:

• Discipline vs. zone reads
• Pass-rush repertoire
• Stack/shed to live at LB

Film Analysis: 

David Bailey is a hybrid edge defender whose athleticism and ability to align at multiple spots showcase an intriguing developmental prospect. He’s aligned primarily in a two-point stance outside the offensive tackle. The majority of Bailey’s snaps have come along the line of scrimmage, but he also has a healthy workload in space, specifically in the slot. While he does not project as a primary fringe defender at the next level, his ability to shift and align all over the front seven showcases a versatile athlete. However, it remains to be seen where he will find his true niche as a football player, which will ultimately see his profile differ from team to team considering needs.

Against the run, Bailey has room to grow in his ability to ID and stack/shed opposing blockers. Bailey has an impressive frame with obvious strength and movement ability, but his impact remains minimal against runs both to and away from him. Teams consistently attacked Bailey’s side in zone-read looks, leaving him unblocked to force him into decisions. Improved patience will assist in countering specific concepts up front. Uses his extension well but is not a player who looks to engage and hunt down ball-carriers. Bailey is more experienced against the run when attacking from depth, where he has a few extra split seconds to react and pursue. Runs well in the open field.

As a pass rusher, Bailey is a project at this point in his evaluation. Pressures primarily come from his ability to turn the corner as an athlete, and refining his game technically will boost his profile. Has flashes of consistent success, but his ability to fine-tune the nuances in his game at 5-tech will assist in finalizing his unique profile.

Bailey projects immediately as a second-level defender whose primary workload comes at linebacker. More snaps are needed for him to become increasingly comfortable, but his size and movement ability in space showcase that of a hybrid athlete who can add depth at the LB position, only to drift down and rush the passer on third down.

Concerns remain about his pass-rush repertoire and overall raw skill set. Bailey cannot be classified as a pure sack artist at this point, and his role for Stanford in 2024 will remain key in finalizing his player profile.

Overall, Bailey is a prospect whose evaluation and projection will differ from team to team as the months wear on. However, as many questions as there are, he touts an intriguing skill set at multiple depths that fits the trends of the modern game. With the correct development, he has the chance to carve out a comfortable role at the next level.

Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific Contributor

Written By: Ryan Fowler

Round 2, Pick #44: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego St

“In Anthony Weaver’s zone-heavy scheme, Chris Johnson can be a high-caliber starter fairly early in his NFL career. While Johnson is a bit smaller at 6’0″, 185 pounds, he’s fleet-footed, quick to react, sharp in 2-on-1 situations, and can enforce at the catch and in support.”

Round 3, Pick #75: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

“At 5’10”, 180 pounds, Zachariah Branch has hyper-elite explosiveness and energized athleticism as a RAC threat, but he’s also quietly a quality separator and catch-point operator at his size.”

Round 3, Pick #79: LT Overton, DL, Alabama

“At around 6’2 1/2″, 274 pounds, with over 33″ arms, LT Overton could be a candidate to pack on 10 pounds and function as a versatile 3-tech opposite Zach Sieler in the Dolphins’ scheme.”

Round 3, Pick #93: Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa

“A right tackle at Iowa, Gennings Dunker would assuredly shift to guard for Miami — a spot he projects better at with his power, strength in a phone booth, and true mauler mentality.”

Round 4, Pick #110: Jalon Kilgore, SAF, South Carolina

Round 5, Pick #152: Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan

Round 7, Pick #224: Eric McAlister, WR, TCU