Draft 2026: EDGE - David Bailey, Rueben Bain, Zion Young
Elite EDGE rushers with low concern levels are available
The NFL draft starts on April 23. As draft candidates for the Lions bubble up over the next few weeks, I’ll post my health concern levels for select prospects. The concern level will range from 0 (no concern) to 5 (might be worth the risk if the reward is high) to 10 (take him off your board, Brad).
Here are 3 EDGE players with low concern levels who might interest the Lions. Two of them are currently projected as early 1st-rounders which means the Lions might need to hope for a slight fall. The other was a star at the Senior Bowl but has some off-field concerns.
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
Quick Summary
David Bailey, EDGE (23): Fractured wrist - 1/10 concern
Rueben Bain, EDGE (22): Calf strain - 1/10 concern
Zion Young, EDGE (22): Clean - 0/10 concern
David Bailey, EDGE (23) - Texas Tech
Projected early round 1. #4 on Daniel Jeremiah board Jan 27
Concern level 1/10
2025: 14/14 games.
2024: 12/12 games.
2023: 10/12 games.
2022: 10/12 games.
High school: Fractured wrist
Bailey had a fractured wrist in high school which isn’t a concern at this point. Ideally, he would be 1-2 years younger for a 1st round pick, but overall has a very low concern level.
In 2025, he had the second most sacks (13.5) in FBS. His career totals include 42 TFL and 29 sacks.
Rueben Bain, EDGE (22) - Miami
Projected early round 1. #6 on Daniel Jeremiah board Jan 27
Concern level 1/10
2025: 16/16 games
2024: 9/13 games. Missed 4 games early in season with possible calf injury.
2023: 13/13 games.
A possible calf strain a couple years ago is of minimal concern at this point - although anytime you hear calf, you worry about Achilles involvement. The Achilles will certainly get vetted at the combine. His young age and low mileage are a big plus.
His career stats include 33.5 TFL and 20.5 sacks in 3 seasons. At 6’3″, 275 pounds, Bain might have the ideal build for the Lions who like their EDGE’s big. In college, he often looked like a man amongst boys…
Zion Young, EDGE (22) - Missouri
Projected round 1-3. Mocked to Lions in 1st round by Lance Zierlein at NFL.com.
Concern level 0/10
2025: 13/13 games.
2024: 13/13 games.
2023: 12/12 games.
2022: 8/12 games.
Young has no notable injuries and has been very reliable. In his career, he has 28.5 TFL and 11.5 sacks.
However, off-the-field, he does have history of a DWI charge. He also faced an assault charge during his time at Michigan State for his role in the famous UM vs MSU tunnel melee. I generally do not factor off-field issues into concern level, but the Lions certainly might.
On the field, Young flashed dominance at the Senior Bowl and was named American team MVP…
For more EDGE players that might interest the Lions, see my story below…
Draft 2026: EDGE - Akheem Mesidor, TJ Parker, Derrick Moore
The NFL draft starts on April 23. As draft candidates for the Lions bubble up over the next few weeks, I’ll post my health concern levels for select prospects. The concern level will range from 0 (no concern) to 5 (might be worth the risk if the reward is high) to 10 (take him off your board, Brad).