Breaking Down the Arizona Cardinals Roster: LB’s

Aug 17, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar (89) scores a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Kevin Minter (51) and safety Tony Jefferson (36) defend during the third quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Cowboys 12-7. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Now that we know the final 53-man roster for the Arizona Cardinals, or as we know it today, as it can always change, we are going to take a look at position by position to see how this roster stacks up.  Here, we are going to take a look at the Cards linebackers.

The OLB’s: John Abraham, Sam Acho, Lorenzo Alexander, Alex Okafor, Matt Shaughnessy

The outside linebacker core seems to be pretty solid.  With veterans Abraham and Alexander bringing their leadership experiences from other clubs, they can do nothing but help this group become a force behind the defensive line.  Of course there is Acho, who is starting his third-year in the NFL, who has done nothing but get better and better.  Okafor had a decent preseason.

The ILB’s: Jasper Brinkley, Karlos Dansby, Kenny Demens, Kevin Minter, Daryl Washington (reserve/suspended list)

This group in my opinion could end up being one of the best in the NFL.  Brinkley had a monster preseason.  Dansby brings back his veteran leadership, and Minter will be a player to be reckoned with in his rookie season.  Brinkley and Minter will have to be the guys to step it up in the absence of Washington, who will miss the first four games of the season due to his suspension.

Overall, a talented group who should make many plays.  You’ll be hearing these players names called quite a bit in 2013 and that will be a good thing.