2026 NFL Draft Prospects: David Bailey's Week 7 dominance among Top 10 performances

Week seven of the college football season showcased several standout defensive performances, which is encouraging for teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings, both expected to target defenders with top-100 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. The top defensive performance came from Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey, whose elite pass-rushing ability makes him a natural fit in Mike Macdonald’s Seahawks defense.

Offensively, running backs made their mark, as both Iowa State’s Abu Sama III and Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson rushed for over 170 yards in their games. Both players could represent excellent value picks for teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or Tennessee Titans.

Top 10 performances from week 7

1. David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech

NFL Fit: Seattle Seahawks

For the second straight week, Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey earns a spot on NFL Mock’s Top 10 NFL Draft Prospect Performances, this time taking the top honor. Against Kansas, Bailey was dominant off the edge, finishing with three sacks and earning Pro Football Focus’s highest pass-rushing grade of the week at 94.4. He continues to show elite burst and power, making him an ideal fit for a Seahawks defense that could lose Derick Hall, Boye Mafe, and Uchenna Nwosu to free agency this offseason.

2. Nadame Tucker, DE, Western Michigan

NFL Fit: San Francisco 49ers

Western Michigan’s Nadame Tucker is currently tied with Bailey for the FBS lead with 8.5 sacks on the season. In his game against Ball State, he recorded 3.5 sacks, showing impressive bend around the corner along with a strong mix of speed and power. While Tucker projects as a late-round pick, his raw pass-rushing ability could make him a valuable addition for a team like the San Francisco 49ers, who need to strengthen their defensive line depth.

3. Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

NFL Fit: Miami Dolphins

The biggest win in college football this weekend came when Indiana knocked off third-ranked Oregon. A major reason for that upset was the play of wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, who caught eight passes for 121 yards and scored a crucial touchdown late in the fourth quarter. As a pro prospect, Sarratt is a big, physical receiver who excels at making contested catches. He could be a strong fit in Miami, where the Dolphins could use a bigger target to complement the speed of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

4. Abu Sama III, RB, Iowa State

NFL Fit: Kansas City Chiefs

A running back who has emerged over the past two weeks is Iowa State’s Abu Sama. Filling in for the injured Carson Hansen, he has rushed for more than 90 yards in back-to-back games, including 177 yards against Colorado in Week 7. While it’s unlikely the junior declares for the NFL Draft this year, he could draw late-round attention if he does. Sama would be a good fit in Kansas City, where the Chiefs could use a more physical back to complement Breshard Smith.

5. Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

NFL Fit: Minnesota Vikings

Heading into the Texas–Oklahoma matchup, most of the attention was on Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer returning from injury. However, the most impactful return came from Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad. Muhammad intercepted two of Mateer’s passes, both in the first half, and played a key role in the Longhorns’ defensive effort. According to Bleacher Report, the Minnesota Vikings’ top draft need is cornerback, so adding a player like Muhammad on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft would make sense.

6. Damon Wilson II, DE, Missouri

NFL Fit: Detroit Lions

One of the most explosive pass rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft class is Missouri’s Damon Wilson II, and his elite speed was on full display against Alabama, where he recorded two sacks. Wilson has been dominant this season, already registering 27 quarterback pressures, surpassing last year’s total at Georgia despite playing roughly half the snaps. His breakout performance likely impressed Lions GM Brad Holmes, who was in attendance for the game.

7. Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

NFL Fit: Tennessee Titans

One of the top backs in the Big Ten this season has been Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson, who has already rushed for 650 yards, leading the conference and ranking eighth nationally. In his latest game against Maryland, he recorded a career-high 176 rushing yards on just 21 carries, averaging an impressive 8.4 yards per carry. Johnson has also contributed in the passing game, catching 24 passes this season. He would give Titans quarterback Cam Ward a much-needed weapon in the passing game.

8. Desmond Purnell, MLB, Kansas State

NFL Fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kansas State’s Desmond Purnell had an all-around impressive performance against TCU. He was sound in his run fits and made two key interceptions in pass coverage, returning one for a 25-yard touchdown. Purnell could be a solid sixth- or seventh-round pick for the Buccaneers, who are looking to add depth at the linebacker position.

9. Aiden Fisher, MLB, Indiana

NFL Fit: Washington Commanders

The second NFL Draft prospect from Indiana to make this list is linebacker Aiden Fisher, who played a key role in holding the high-powered Oregon offense to just 13 points. He finished with 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks, showing the leadership and football IQ that impress NFL scouts. These traits, along with his ability to contribute on special teams, make him a strong fit in Washington.

"It’s hard to put into words how important Aiden Fisher has been. He’s my mouthpiece to the guys on the field. He’s the unquestioned leader."

Indiana DC Bryant Haines

10. Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC

NFL Fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

One of the best ball hawks in the 2026 NFL Draft class is USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald, who is tied for the national lead with five interceptions. This includes two picks in Week 7 against Michigan, earning him a spot on NFL Mock’s Top 10 list for the second time this season. Fitzgerald could be a strong candidate to help replace Minkah Fitzpatrick, who the Steelers traded before the season.