Arizona Cardinals: Top 5 DL at Scouting Combine

The NFL Scouting Combine gets underway on Tuesday February 17th in Indianapolis

This week we will be looking at positions the Arizona Cardinals will be looking for help in the offseason.  With the NFL Scouting Combine commencing this week, there will be a lot of talk about those available in the upcoming NFL Draft.  Here we will look at the defensive lineman the Cardinals should have their eyes on.

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It’s no secret that the Arizona Cardinals have a good defense and do have decent lineman on the defensive side of the ball.  However it is also no secret the Cardinals lack a power pass rush.  After defensive end Calais Campbell, there is a slight drop off, although guys like Frostee Rucker and Ed Stinson had their moments.  Darnell Dockett may or may not be back after his injury.  Here are the top five guys on the defensive line the Cardinals should take a long hard look at this week in preparation for the draft at the end of April.

1. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA

The UCLA defensive end was injured in 2013 but returned in 2014.  He had 61 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for a loss last season.  Cardinals could use a guy that can get into the offensive backfield and be a disruption.  He has long arms and is athletic and is considered quick.  However he does lack explosiveness at times and some consider that his greatest downfall other than the unknown with his injury history.  Could be available to the Cardinals at number 24 in the first round.

2. Carl Davis, Iowa

David would be a very good pickup if the Cardinals don’t hang onto Dockett.  Davis has good size and was on the Second-Team All Big Ten in 2014.  Even with the good size, he is known to play small at times.  He also has a knack to stand up when being pushed back.  He’s probably one of the best defensive tackles available though.  Most likely goes late first round or early second.

3. Arik Armstead, Oregon

The defensive end/tackle is a guy that kind of looks like what the Cardinals already have.  A guy with size that can extend his arms and get a good pass rush.  He has trouble with consistently getting to the quarterback though to complete the process.  The potential according to scouts though is there for him to become a lot better than he already is.

4. Alvin Dupree, Kentucky

Here is another guy with long arms.  He gets good extension and has a quick burst. He needs to get stronger though according to scouts.  He had 74 tackles, including 12.5 for a loss and had 7.5 sacks in 2014 for the Wildcats.  He was on first-team All-SEC last season.  He will likely go in the first round so if the Cardinals do get him it will be at number 24.

5. Mario Edwards, Florida State

The Florida State defensive end made a nice improvement from 2013 to 2014.  In 2014 he had 11 tackles for loss including three sacks, which was second best for the Seminoles.  Scouts say he is versatile and can play in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense.  Since the Cardinals plays a 3-4 on paper but sometimes fall more into a 4-3, this could be their guy if he is around when they pick in the second round.