Last week we took a look at the top five offensive players coming out of the Big 12 that should be drafted this week at the 2026 NFL Draft. This week, we take a look at five of the highest rated defensive players that should hear their names called this Thursday through Saturday in Pittsburgh.
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
David Bailey may very well hear his name called in the first 30 minutes of the draft. He is projected to be a top five pick and could be the first non-quarterback name called on Thursday night. Bailey has been linked to the Jets, Cardinals, and Giants, who pick second, third and fifth, respectively.
It’s no surprise why these teams want a guy like Bailey. After starting his career at Stanford, where he was a very solid player in his own right, he flourished at Texas Tech while becoming a consensus First Team All-American.
He can beat you with speed around the end or overtake you with his power techniques. His athleticism popped off the charts at the NFL Combine where he was the highest graded EDGE prospect. He truly has elite athletic ability and his talent should translate fairly smoothly to the next level.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Another Red Raider makes the list. Jacob Rodriguez was the glue that held that amazing Texas Tech defense together. He tied an NCAA record with seven forced fumbles in 2025. Rodriguez had a long list of accolades after that incredible 2025 season; he was first-team All-Big 12, First-team Associated Press All-American, and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year among other recognitions.
A team captain, Rodriguez also finished fifth place in Heisman Trophy voting. He has ball-hawking instincts, wraps up when making tackles, and will not give up on a play. He would be a welcome addition to any NFL roster and could slide in as a day one starter at inside linebacker.
Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State
“Big Orange” had a nice career at Iowa State. He was Honorable Mention All-Big 12 in 2023 and 2024 as a part-time starter before being voted in as Third-team All-Big 12 when he took over as a full-time starter in 2025.
He has long arms, and big hands, which teams will love at the next level. He isn’t easily moved and can take up multiple blocks as a nose tackle. He isn’t the fastest or most athletic defensive tackle, but his reaction time and quick thinking make him worthy of a second round selection.
Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona
Stukes has been moving up draft boards in recent weeks after doing workouts and having meetings with multiple teams. He has been linked to the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks, who are needing to revamp their secondary after losing a few key pieces to free agency.
Stukes is an older prospect, having gone through six years of college, but he has the skill set to be an immediate starter at the next level. He has three seasons of starting experience, including three years as a team captain, and ran a sub 4.4 40 at the combine.
He will be a coach’s favorite player, which bodes well for his long-term future in the league if he can stay healthy. Stukes is a high-character, versatile player who can play inside nickel, outside, or even matchup as a safety. He’s a true chess piece for a defensive coordinator and should be drafted before Saturday.
Bud Clark, Safety, TCU
Bud Clark, like Stukes, was a three-year captain in his final three collegiate seasons. It’s rare to see loyalty from guys like this during the current climate of college sports, but seeing guys stick around their programs and remain team captains throughout is a rare loyalty quality that isn’t seen as much as it used to. NFL teams will like that from Clark.
He’s also an older prospect, but he has qualities teams will like. Leadership, versatility, and the ability to cover in the slot or run downhill and make tackles in the box as a safety. Clark is seen as a late day two or early day three type pick but has the chance to make a nice career for himself at the next level.
There are plenty of other prospects to keep an eye on, including defensive tackle Lee Hunter from Texas Tech and Malachi Lawrence, an EDGE from UCF, who could both be taken on day two of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Big 12 should be well represented over the next few days as the draft gets underway!
