2026 NFL draft: An edge rusher for every round

he Arizona Cardinals have a number of needs they will try to address in the 2026 NFL draft. They really could go with any position during the draft.

Over the next few articles, we will go over players who could be targets in each round.

Let's have a look at edge defenders.

Round 1: David Bailey, Texas Tech

Bailey led the nation with 14.5 sacks for Texas Tech. He has the size and athleticism. He improved every season. He will be a top-10 pick and is the favorite to be drafted second overall.

Round 2: Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

He had 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in the SEC. He is a little short and has short arms, but he has athleticism and plays ferociously.

Round 3: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State

He is 6-5 and 256 pounds with 33-inch arms. He had 8.5 sacks in 2024 and 2025.

Round 4: LT Overton, Alabama

He is strong but not a super twitchy pass rusher. He is 6-3 and 274 pounds. He had seven career sacks.

Round 5: Max Llewellyn, Iowa

He is long and was productive. He is 6-5 and 258 pounds with over 32-inch arms. He improved every year and finished last season with 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss.

Round 6: Tyreak Sapp, Florida

He had seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss in 2024 but his production dropped to one and 3.5 last year. He is a bit of a tweener, perhaps suited better for the defensive interior but only 273 pounds.

Round 7: Logan Fano, Utah

He is 6-5 and 257 pounds, and he has motor. He had 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss last season.

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