Texans coach drops telling quotes about former Tennessee Vols DL Dominic Bailey as the undrafted rookie fights for roster spot
Former Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman is hoping to make the Houston Texans’ 53-man roster this summer.
Former Tennessee Vols defensive lineman Dominic Bailey is hoping to earn a spot on the Houston Texans’ 53-man roster over the next six weeks.
But it won’t be easy.
Bailey, who played at Tennessee from 2020 to 2025, was signed by the Texans as an undrafted free agent shortly after the 2026 NFL Draft.
On Friday, Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke dropped some encouraging comments about Bailey.
“He’s explosive,” said Burke. “He gets off. He’s a tough kid. He’s shown up a little bit and he’s done a good job early on. Again, it’s going to be consistency with all of those young guys — with him especially. But he’s flashed. He’s got some movement skills. He played on the edge a little bit in college and has some flex to him. But I’ve been impressed with the get off and the toughness that he’s shown early in camp.”
Bailey totaled 76 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks during his time at Tennessee. He also recovered three fumbles and forced two fumbles (nearly all of his production came during his final four seasons at Tennessee as he only played three games during his first two seasons on Rocky Top).
The Maryland native had the best season of his career in 2025, setting career highs with 27 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.
Bailey made significant strides while at Tennessee, which is why he’s now in a position to to have a real chance to make an NFL roster.
“I’d say, just talking to those scouts, I think right now if we had to vote on the MVP of the [defensive] front guys, I think Dom Bailey would win it hands down,” said Vols defensive line coach Rodney Garner last August. “This kid’s had an outstanding camp — run, pass, leadership, all of those things. He really stands out in a very positive way.
“And I think a lot of people know when I first got here, he stood out in another way — and it wasn’t a good way. So, you know, this kid has really earned everything that he’s got. He’s a blue-collar, worked his tail off to get himself in this position and he’s made himself a really good SEC D-lineman. And I’m really glad that we have him. I love his leadership, I love the way he goes about his business, his work ethic…I’m excited about Dom.”
Bailey is off to a nice start with the Texans, but as Burke said, it will be all about consistency over the next month for the former Vol.