Arizona Cardinals: Grading 2016 position by position

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January 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) is brought down by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

The Arizona Cardinals had more defensive tackles than they knew what to do with this season. For that reason there were always two or three of them inactive from week to week.

The man who had the biggest season was Calais Campbell. He had eight sacks on the season along with two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He also had his first-career touchdown on a fumble return.

The question lingering with Campbell is where will he play in 2017? He is a free-agent and will likely garner much interest on the market. There will be someone willing to pay him more than the Cardinals will. It could come down to paying Campbell or linebacker Chandler Jones.

Rodney Gunter also had a nice season, his second in the NFL. He was a beast on special teams.

The one guy we are waiting on to blossom is defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche. He spent much of the season inactive. He only played in five games.

Nkemdiche had issues on and off the field. Mainly it had to do with his maturity. While he struggled on the practice field and had an ankle injury he dealt with, he also had issues being professional off the field. He showed up for the pane on a road trip not properly dressed. That is inexcusable.

Who will be back in 2017?

Yes: Rodney Gunter, Robert Nkemdiche, Frostee Rucker, Josh Mauro

Maybe: Calais Campbell, Xavier Williams, Ed Stinson, Corey Peters

No: Olsen Pierre

Grade: B-

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