Arizona Cardinals: A Current Look at OLB’s

Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Matt Shaughnessy (91) tackles San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals are in the midst of OTA’s and what better time to look at what’s going on position by position?  Here are some battles going on that will carry into training camp and other positions that are pretty well set.  Here is a current look at the outside linebackers on the Cards roster.

John Abraham

Abraham is getting up there in years.  He did have a very productive 2013, at least when compared to the previous season in Atlanta.  Can he keep up the production in 2014?  Let’s hope so.  Here’s hoping 11.5 sacks in 2013 wasn’t just a mirage.

Sam Acho

He’s returning from a short season in 2013 thanks to injury.  It is imperative for Acho to remain healthy.  His production tailed off a little in 2012 vs. 2011.  Unfortunately we don’t know how 2013 would have turned out.  The Cards need him though.  I expect him to be a force in 2014.

Lorenzo Alexander

Here’s another guy starting to get up in age.  he also was lost early in the 2013 season due to injury.  He will have a lot to prove to the Cards and fans this off-season going into 2014.

Alex Okafor

Not much to talk about here other than he could be useful should one of the other guys goes down.  I don’t forsee him not making the final roster as he does add youth here but at this point that is the best thing I can say about him.

Matt Shaughnessy

To me, here is the guy that surprised me most in 2013.  I love his work ethic and love how hard he plays.  He had 36 tackles and three sacks in 2013.  I expect those numbers to rise in 2014.

Adrian Tracy

Played sparingly for the New York Giants in 2013.  Mainly a special teams guy.  Had just nine tackles in 16 games last season.  If he does make the roster, he won’t be a starter.  His spot on the team will depend on those special teams.