Arizona Cardinals preseason depth chart

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Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) reacts as he leaves the field after defeating the Green Bay Packers in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Calais Campbell

Campbell enters his ninth season in the NFL out of Miami. He has struggled somewhat the past two seasons in terms of getting sacks. If there was a stat for almost sacks, Campbell would have to be at or near the top of that category.

He had just five sacks in 2015 after seven in 2014 and nine in 2013. He is not trending in the right direction but now that the Cardinals have Chandler Jones maybe he could be set free a little bit if more attention is given to Jones.

He will be a free agent after the 2016 season so it is vital that he have a great season. That could spell the end of his time in Arizona if he does great and the Cardinals decide to keep Jones instead but for now he will continue to be the number one guy on the defensive line.

2. Robert Nkemdiche

To this day I still talk to people who are amazed that Nkemdiches dropped all the way to the Cardinals at number 29 in the first round the 2016 NFL Draft. Sure he had some off-field baggage but he also brings a lot of talent.

A strong season by Nkemdiche could help make the Cardinals decision on Campbell a little easier in the next off season. He’s a rookie so let’s not forget that but talent wise he’s already up there with the others.

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