Cardinals' Draft Focus: Pass Rusher David Bailey

0:00On April 8th, the Arizona Cardinals sit at 3rd overall in the 2026 NFL draft after a rough 3-win 14-loss season, leaving big, gaps at offensive line and pass rush. With the top two picks eyed for the Raiders and Jets, Arizona faces the first big choice and early signs point away from tackling that line early. They beefed up the offensive line in free agency by signing four veterans to short deals, but completely skipped edge rushers, which looks like a clear plan. General manager Monty Austinfort seems locked in on the draft's deep pool of pass rush talent up top. Fans and insiders are buzzing because the Cardinals showed some interest in Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love, but with new backs like Tyler. Al Gear in the mix and James Conner's deal reworked, that's off the table. Ohio State's Arville Reese, My Go Second, and Miami's Ruben Bane Jr. is a top 10 friend's guy, shifting eyes elsewhere. Word is, they haven't set pre-draft meetings with any elite offensive tackles, which is telling this late in the game.

1:03Texas Tech's David Bailey stands out, and all American at 6'3", 250 pounds, with 19.5 tackles for loss and... 14.5 sacks last year. Bailey could pair perfectly with Josh Sweat next season, turning that pass rush around quick. Austinfort has time to pivot, but all arrows aim at grabbing this freak athlete to fix the defense for real. That wraps NFL news today, brought to you with AI.