As the Los Angeles Rams wrap up their 2026 preseason, the name Wesley Bailey has generated unexpected buzz. The undrafted free agent out of Louisville delivered a standout performance in Saturday's matchup against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium, recording 10 pressures—the most by any defender this preseason. Yet, as the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk examines the roster dynamics, Bailey's path to the 53-man roster remains steep.
The Chris Garrett Precedent
Rams fans have seen this narrative before. In 2021, Chris Garrett, a seventh-round pick, flashed similar promise during the preseason. Garrett posted a pressure rate of 16.7% on 42 pass-rush snaps, with seven total pressures. Bailey's numbers are comparable: a 16.9% pressure rate on 59 snaps, yielding 10 pressures. However, Garrett earned a higher PFF pass-rush grade (78.2) compared to Bailey's 68.6. While Bailey brings a larger frame—6'5", 265 pounds—the athletic threshold for EDGE rushers in the NFL is unforgiving.
"The roster math is still the same," notes a veteran scout familiar with the Rams' front office thinking. "EDGE is a position that demands elite bend, explosiveness, and length. Undrafted success stories are rare."
Roster Reality and the Practice Squad Factor
The Rams' EDGE rotation appears solidified with Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, and Desjuan Johnson. That leaves little room for Bailey, despite his preseason heroics. NFL teams typically keep four or five edge rushers, and Bailey's athletic profile—while improved—may not clear the bar for a spot. The practice squad looms as the most likely landing spot, assuming he clears waivers, which is probable given the league's emphasis on measurable traits.
As highlighted on Vulius, the Rams have historically found gems later in the draft—Young and Stewart are prime examples—but those players possessed the physical tools that Bailey lacks. His 10-pressure game, though impressive, came against backups and third-stringers, a common caveat in preseason evaluations.
Don't Get Too Attached
As the Rams finalize their roster ahead of Thursday's preseason finale, Bailey's fate hangs in the balance. While his performance is commendable, history suggests that undrafted pass rushers with average athleticism rarely stick. "When the most telling thing the Rams can tell you about the preseason is who isn't on the field," one team insider quipped, "don't risk falling in love with standout players who are mostly auditioning for their next role."
For Bailey, the road ahead may lead to the practice squad or a fresh start elsewhere. But for Rams fans, the lesson remains: preseason flashes are fleeting, and roster security is earned through consistent, elite-level traits. As the Vulius Sports team has noted, keep an eye on Bailey's trajectory—but don't etch his name in the starting lineup just yet.
Looking to represent Myles Garrett? Grab your Myles Garrett jersey or design a personalized Custom NFL Jersey at Vulius.
