Bosa racked up three sacks in four games to begin his junior season with the Buckeyes, but a core muscle injury in September ended his season. Instead of rushing back and increasing the chances at aggravation, Bosa left school to focus on the draft.

It was the prudent decision, but not an easy one.

"It was the year I had been waiting for my whole career," Bosa said. "I split reps my freshman and sophomore year. Coming in, I was going to be the guy. I started strong the first three games, and it just got torn away from me."

The Cardinals have one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL in Chandler Jones, and the addition of another could greatly benefit the defense.

"The quarterback has a lot less time, that's for sure," General Manager Steve Keim said. "It's kind of what comes first, the chicken or the egg? Is it more important to have a better corner or to have better pass-rushers? Pass-rushers get there first, so they make the guys on the back end's job a little easier.

"Anytime you can get two pass-rushers who are dynamic, it's critical to the whole defense. And the style of play we're going to play under (defensive coordinator) Vance Joseph is really all about the pass rush and the corners, the four perimeter positions."

While the quarterback question will persist, the value of edge-rushers has also exploded in recent years. Most believe Bosa is the best among this year's prospects, and he's ready to show off his considerable talent at the NFL level.

"It's really a crazy art form, pass-rushing is," Bosa said. "It's a lot more than just being bigger and stronger than somebody. It's figuring out how to use all your tools to get around them."

Bosa has a full toolbox, and Davis – biased as he may be – would welcome a reunion.