Arizona Cardinals: Breakout Candidates for 2017

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Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints center Senio Kelemete (65) blocks against Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Rodney Gunter (95) at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Rodney Gunter, DL

Drafted out of the small Delaware State, Gunter faced a steep learning curve when coming to the NFL. He does not lack the size as he is listed at 6’5″ and 305 pounds, a similar size to Calais Campbell, but he does lack an excess of experience. Though Gunter has been a part of the defensive line rotation for a few years now, he has found himself stuck behind Campbell, Rucker, and Josh Mauro as well as sharing snaps with Xavier Williams and Robert Nkemdiche at times.

Through his two seasons, Gunter has played in all 32 regular season games and has even started 12 of those, but he has posted 34 tackles and 2.5 sacks. If Calais Campbell does leave this offseason, then defensive lineman Rodney Gunter will have the chance to prove to Coach Bruce Arians that he has what it takes to fill the void of Pro Bowler. If all else fails, it is note-worthy that Gunter was only a fourth round pick.

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