Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Cardinals Eye Top Pass-Rushers Bain and Bailey at Combine

2/26/2026

36 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Arizona Cardinals interviewed Rueben Bain Jr. and David Bailey at the NFL Draft Combine, signaling strong interest in top pass-rushing prospects.
Bain expressed confidence after the interview and said he aimed to impress the team.
Bain recorded 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss last season, despite concerns about his arm length.
Bailey led FBS in sacks and held positive meetings with the Cardinals and other teams.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1982, the NFL Scouting Combine revolutionized player evaluation by centralizing the assessment process for draft prospects. Originally held in Tampa, Florida, it has become essential for teams like the Arizona Cardinals, who prioritize pass-rushing talent. This focus reflects a broader trend in the league, emphasizing defensive capabilities to enhance team performance and competitiveness.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Arizona Cardinals interviewed Rueben Bain Jr. and David Bailey at the NFL Draft Combine, signaling strong interest in top pass-rushing prospects.
Bain expressed confidence after the interview and said he aimed to impress the team.
Bain recorded 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss last season, despite concerns about his arm length.
Bailey led FBS in sacks and held positive meetings with the Cardinals and other teams.

1 / 2