Cardinals' Draft Strategy: Bailey or Line?

0:00On April 2nd, the Arizona Cardinals sit at number 3 in this year's NFL Draft Order, and the buzz is all about whether they'll grab an offensive. Mimemon or Pivot to a game-changing pass-rusher. General manager Monty Austinfort has options, but folks are eyeing Texas Tech-Edge David Bailey as a prime fit right there at the top. They beefed up the line in free agency with four solid additions, dialing down the urgency for a blue chip tackle early. Those two and three are loaded with top guards and tackles anyway, so why not snag a lead pressure up front first? Bailey's a beast at 6 foot 4, 251 pounds, with a 4.540 time. Over 46 games, he racked up 29 sacks, 42 tackles for loss, and 10 force bumbles, earning unanimous all-American honors, and big 12 defensive linemen of the year. His first step explosion and spin moves make him a nightmare, plus he squats 550 pounds and chases plays relentlessly. Pair him with Josh Schwett, and that duo could wreck quarterbacks.

1:03Sure, he needs more girth for run support and can get over aggressive, but his upside screams impact. Bottom line. This move lets the Cardinals build a fearsome front, while addressing the line later, smart chests in a draft full of talent. He's watching how his shakes out, come April. NFL News Today, powered by AI bringing you what matters on Game Day.