Don’t get too attached to Wesley Bailey

Inglewood, - August 22: Linebacker Wesley Bailey (47) of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a New Orleans Saints fumble in the second half of a NFL preseason football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 22, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images

Wesley Bailey had one of the best defensive performances of the 2026 preseason yet. The UDFA out of Louisville earned 10 pressures in Saturday afternoon's contest between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints.

But a breakout game doesn't necessarily translate to security on the 53-man roster.

We've seen other Bailey's with the Rams before. 2021 brought Chris Garrett's breakout-and Garrett was drafted by the team whereas Bailey wasn't.

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Turf Show Times Rams

Pass-Rush Productivity

Chris Garrett, 2021, compared with Wesley Bailey, 2026.

Same pressure rate, different grade: Bailey recorded more total pressures, albeit Garrett posted the stronger PFF pass-rush grade.

Player	Season	Height	Weight	PRSH Grade	PRSH Snaps	Pressures	Breakdown	Pressure Rate
Chris GarrettArizona Cardinals ED	2021	6'4''	245 lb	78.2	42	7	2 SK 1 HIT 4 HUR	16.7%
Wesley BaileyLos Angeles Rams ED	2026	6'5''	265 lb	68.6	59	10	1 SK 3 HIT 6 HUR	16.9%

Source: Chris Garrett PFF page and Wesley Bailey PFF page. Pressure rate equals total pressures divided by PRSH snaps.

To Bailey's credit, he's roughly an inch taller and 20 pounds heavier than Garrett. Garrett never posted 10 pressures in a single game-he posted seven in the totality of his rookie preseason.

Both players boast roughly the same pressure rate. Bailey edges out in terms of total pressures with more snaps. Garrett earned a notably better pass rushing grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF).

The roster math is still the same.

EDGE is a position that requires incredible measurables and athletic traits. Very few human beings on earth can way 250 lbs. while displaying bend and explosiveness. There is a reason why the NFL's elite pass rushers are usually drafted at the top of the first round. While the Rams have found success later with the likes of Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart, it's rare that unheralded prospects develop into bonafide pass rushers.

In short, don't be surprised if Bailey falls victim to the looming roster cuts following LA's preseason finale on Thursday. The Rams' EDGE rotation is mostly set: Myles Garrett, Young, Stewart, and Desjuan Johnson. There will be room on the practice squad if Bailey clears waivers, and he probably will because he doesn't clear the athleticism bar that a difficult position requires.

When the most telling thing the Rams can tell you about the preseason is who isn't on the field, don't risk falling in love with standout players who are mostly auditioning for their next role. Don't get too attached to Wesley Bailey. We've seen this story before.