EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
Before the combine began, the top pure edge rusher to be linked to the Cardinals was Reuben Bain Jr. from Miami. After Bain’s arm length of 30 7/8 inches were measured, he began to slide down some draft boards, which allowed for David Bailey to leap-frog him to No. 3. Even with the measurements serving Bailey well, his talent is the reason why he’s projected to be a top five pick. This past season, Bailey had 14.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, and generated 71 QB pressures.
What some of the experts are saying:
“Simply put, he gets after the QB. That’s what the Cardinals need after managing just 30 sacks last season, tied for the third fewest in the NFL.” – Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
“The Cardinals have struggled to keep young, talented defensive linemen healthy over the last three seasons, with early draft picks in BJ Ojulari, Walter Nolen and Darius Robinson all missing a significant number of games. However, Bailey is explosive, was productive in college (29 career sacks) and would pair nicely with Josh Sweat to give the Cardinals a potent edge rushing tandem in the ultra-competitive NFC West.” – Eric Williams, Fox Sports
“I had the Cardinals go OT here last time, and while it’s the more pressing need, David Bailey strikes me as a better value for the Cardinals with this pick than the available tackles.” – Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports
Others who have mocked Bailey to the Cardinals: Jordan Reid, ESPN