3. Wesley Bailey - DE
Outside of cornerback, the Cardinals fans are closely watching the defensive line, and transfer from Rutgers, Wesley Bailey, is making an immediate impact. The defensive end has some big shoes to fill as All-American Ashton Gillotte is now in the NFL, but this fall camp, Bailey has proven it is his time to shine.
The 6-foot-5 265 265-pound senior will get the nod to start over New Mexico State transfer Justin Beadles. Bailey is coming over to Louisville, where he earned 9.5 sacks with Rutgers in four years, as well as seven pass deflections. His best season came in 2023, when he earned 25 tackles, 4.0 sacks, and three pass deflections.
With the Cards' inexperience in the secondary unit, Bailey and his defensive line have to dominate the trenches and provide pressure on the opposing quarterbacks. Expect Bailey to take a big jump this season in a Cardinals uniform and to make a name for himself early in the season.
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