Raising Zona
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Arizona Cardinals must consider future at inside linebacker

By Jim Koch

Nov 19, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores inside linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) is congratulated by teammates after a fumble recovery during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vanderbilt Stadium. Vanderbilt won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores inside linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) is congratulated by teammates after a fumble recovery during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vanderbilt Stadium. Vanderbilt won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Arizona Cardinals should look to this month’s NFL Draft to find a successor for aging free agent pickup Karlos Dansby

For the past four seasons, inside linebacker Kevin Minter tried his darndest to impress the Arizona Cardinals. Try as he may, the team ultimately wasn’t satisfied with what he offered as it’s starter. Minter received interest in free agency from the Cincinnati Bengals and then accepted their contract offer.

He was replaced by 35-year old Karlos Dansby, who has begun his third stint with the organization. Signed to a one-year deal, Dansby obviously isn’t the club’s future at the position.

There’s a good possibility that the Cards will look to this month’s NFL Draft to find a successor for Dansby. They appear set at the other inside ‘backer spot with 24-year old Deone Bucannon, their first-round draft pick in 2014. As long as the undersized Bucannon can hold up at the spot physically, he should remain the starter there for years to come.

The cream of the college crop for 2017 is Alabama’s Reuben Foster. Unlike Minter, Foster is an every-down player who can do it all. Minter’s deficiencies in pass coverage forced the Cardinals to replace him on passing downs, something they wouldn’t need to do with Foster.

Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham is a tackling machine who led the SEC with 125 takedowns in 2016. He’s the consensus second-best inside linebacker in this year’s class, and will most likely be drafted in the first round. Besides his play-making ability, coaches love his work ethic.

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Raekwon McMillan of Ohio State is a classic run-stuffer who struggles in coverage. He racked up 221 tackles over the past two years, with 11 tackles for loss. Arizona may be able to wait until the second round to nab the 6’2″, 243 lb thumper.

Florida’s Jarrad Davis tallied 94 tackles,11 tackles for loss and three and a half sacks in 2015, his best campaign. His numbers dipped a bit last season because of missed playing time, due to various injuries. His kamikaze-style allows him to make numerous plays, but can also be a detriment.

Davis’ teammate at Florida, Alex Anzalone, is an intriguing prospect who may fall into the mid-rounds. An intelligent player with a high football IQ, Anzalone is also a ferocious hitter. One drawback is that he’s been prone to injury.

Duke Riley of LSU had a fine season in 2016, amassing 93 tackles. His play got him voted MVP by his teammates. But like Bucannon, he’s a tad undersized for the position.

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