Defensive Line Could be Arizona Cardinals’ Trouble Spot
By Jim Koch
Questions have surrounded the Arizona Cardinals’ number-two cornerback spot, but the defensive line may be a bigger problem
Perhaps the Arizona Cardinals’ front office could’ve made more of an effort. After all, it’s not as if they didn’t want defensive end Calais Campbell to return. But in the end, the offer they made for him just wasn’t enough.
Campbell has left the nest, and as a result Arizona’s defensive line could struggle mightily in 2017. The franchise tag was an option, but ultimately it was used on another of the club’s many free agents, outside linebacker Chandler Jones. In the age of the salary cap, it’s impossible for an NFL franchise to hold onto all of it’s top players.
Most of the attention this offseason has been on the Cards’ number-two cornerback position, and rightfully so. However, the defensive line may be an even bigger problem than fans of the team realize. Despite losing Campbell, the Cardinals declined to address the position in both free agency AND the draft.
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Admittedly, there weren’t many 3-4 defensive ends with Campbell’s talent available in free agency. Arizona, however, may have allowed a golden opportunity to pass by during the first round of the draft.
Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen was unexpectedly available when the Cardinals were on the clock at #13. Thought of as a cant-miss prospect, the 6’3″, 291 pounder took a tumble due to concerns over his surgically-repaired shoulders. He ended up going to the Washington Redskins with the 17th-overall pick.
No one is complaining about Temple inside linebacker Haason Reddick as the Cards’ first-round pick. But if Allen remains healthy, the squad may have missed out on the perfect replacement for Campbell. The blue-chipper tallied 22.5 sacks,105 tackles and six passes defensed over the last two years.
Defensive coordinator James Bettcher will now be leaning on some inexperienced youngsters and a couple of veterans who’s best days may have passed. Campbell was pretty much the line’s only full-time contributor. Arizona’s current line will most likely be used in heavy rotation.
Last year’s first-round draft pick, Robert Nkemdiche, will be counted on to produce in a huge way during the upcoming campaign. Frostee Rucker was re-signed to provide some leadership, while Corey Peters may need to step up his game a bit. Josh Mauro and Rodney Gunter will have every opportunity to shine, while Ed Stinson, Xavier Williams and Olsen Pierre will also be in the mix.
Next: Cardinals 2017 Draft Recap
Most of the pressure will be placed on the shoulders of Nkemdiche, Mauro, and Gunter. If the members of the trio are able to live up to their potential, the loss of Campbell won’t be felt as severely. It could be a long year for the Cardinals’ defense if that potential isn’t reached.