2009 Arizona Cardinals Preview: Linebackers

by Scott Allen

AZScott

The Arizona Cardinals linebacker crew in 2008 provided some exhilarating surprises in my opinion.  This was a unit that jelled together quickly to provide some exciting moments that provided promise for a future that continues this season.

Who’s gone from 2008:

Monty Beisel

Who’s new in 2009:

Reggie Walker, Chase Bullock

What to expect in 2009:

Gerald Hayes, Chike Okeafor, and Clark Haggans are the stars of this unit. Hayes, without an interception during the regular season, had one huge one during the 2008 postseason.  Haggans, who saw his season end early due to injury, re-signed with the Cardinals to provide stability at the position.

The one player to look at this season carefully will be Ali Highsmith, who saw his 2008 rookie season end early due to injury.  How he rebounds after getting injured so early in his career, will be interesting to see.