Arizona Cardinals Have Questions at Defensive End

A tough off-season has left the Arizona Cardinals with plenty of questions at defensive end

Fans of the Arizona Cardinals knew the 2017 off-season was going to be a tough one. The realities of the salary cap meant that some popular veteran players weren’t going to be with the team next season. As free agency has progressed, that’s been exactly what’s happened.

The big loss was clearly Calais Campbell. The nine-year veteran was not only a fan favorite, but had developed into a prototype for 3-4 defensive ends. He isn’t the only veteran to leave either. Frostee Rucker also entered free agency after four years in Arizona. While Rucker wasn’t a big contributor, the loss of both he and Campbell does leave questions on the defensive line.

It seems certain that Josh Mauro will take one of the starting spots. He started 13 games in 2016, and played admirably. Many are expecting a breakout from him, but it’s no sure thing. The other spot is less clear.

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Robert Nkemdiche was a first round draft choice just a year ago, and the Cardinals would like for him to establish himself. He was seen as one of the most talented player in his entire draft class, but off-field issues, and effort questions caused him to fall. Whether or not he can not only convince coaches he’s ready, but succeed as a 3-4 end remains to be seen.

With 12 career starts, Rodney Gunter does have some experience. The third-year player started just once in 2016, but did play in all 16 games. He recorded one and a half sacks and had 15 tackles, and his experience may give him an edge.

The only other real defensive end on the roster is Ed Stinson, who does have five career starts. However, he hasn’t been able to establish himself as a player the team could count on as a full-time starter.

Free agency is still ongoing, if the Cardinals feel inclined to add a veteran, but the market for viable starters at defensive end, especially for a 3-4 defense, is pretty thin. At this point, it’s unlikely the team would go that route.

The NFL Draft is coming in a little over a month, and gives the team another avenue to add a young, talented defender. The likelihood of drafting a ready-made starter, though, is pretty low.

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Most likely, the starters at defensive end for the Cardinals are already on the roster. As the off-season, and then preseason, go forward, talent will decide. As of now, it looks like there will be a drop-off at the position in 2017. Can somebody step up and provide the kind of production they’ve gotten in recent season? That’s a good question.