David Bailey #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders could be a trade target for the Dallas Cowboys.
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David Bailey #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders could be a trade target for the Dallas Cowboys.
The Dallas Cowboys probably still have a trick or two up their sleeves by the time this year’s NFL draft comes around, though the presumption has long been that the team will seek out a trade for a linebacker in the coming weeks. The Cowboys don’t want to head into the draft in a position where they are picking for need, but as things stand, there is no avoiding that reality–Dallas still needs a linebacker, and they’re rumored to still by eyeing pass-rushers.
As of now, the Cowboys’ approach seems to be hoping that the draft gives them a gift, that one of the top pass-rushers in the draft somehow slips down to No. 12, where the Cowboys have their first pick. Rueben Bain, whose relatively short arms have some questioning him as a Top 10 pick, has been the favored Cowboys target for a drop.
But maybe the Cowboys will take matters into their own hands and, as NFL draft guru Todd McShay of The Ringer reports, package their first three picks this year to deal to Arizona for the No. 2 overall pick, with star Texas Tech edge David Bailey as their target.
‘A Lot of Buzz’ Around Cowboys Trade
Speaking on his podcast on Friday, McShay explored what the Arizona Cardinals might do with the No. 3 overall pick. While some in that organization are pushing for running back Jeremiyah Love, McShay said moving off that pick for multiple assets is on the docket, too.
“Trading out of No. 3 remains one of the priorities, or one of the things that could absolutely happen with Arizona,” McShay said on “The McShay Show.” “There’s a lot of buzz about Dallas, and what comes to the noise, with Dallas trading up from 12 to three to get Bailey, right?
“Keep it in state. Texas Tech, pass rusher. Most importantly, they’ve put all their efforts into rebuilding that defense over the last year. But then there’s the back-and-forth. … When I say to you that Arizona could be trading out of that spot, a team could be trading up, for an edge. Specifically, David Bailey.”
David Bailey a Star-in-Making
A trade for Bailey would not come cheap. Undoubtedly, it would cost the Cowboys both of their first-round picks, at No. 12 and No. 20, and probably would require a third pick–either this season’s third-rounder or a Day 2 pick next year.
To give up that much capital would require the Cowboys to have faith in Bailey, who was a jaw-dropper as a pass-rusher with Texas Tech last season. There’s reason to have that faith, though. Bailey was an All-America and led the nation with 14.5 sacks, leading the Big 12 with 19.5 tackles for a loss.
From the NFL.com scouting report: “Bailey is extremely hard for linemen to stay in front of. He moves like a slashing two guard, blending explosiveness and fluidity to slip, bend and flow around blocks from multiple angles. His leverage and lower-body flexion create game-over scenarios once he reaches pocket depth with even a minor lead. …
“His draft grade is slightly tempered by a lack of desired size/length, but the explosiveness and athletic talent is truly elite. His sack production should carry over to the NFL as an odd-front rush linebacker with Pro Bowl upside.”