Arizona Cardinals banking on defensive linemen stepping up

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston

The departure of Arizona Cardinals’ stalwart Calais Campbell has created burning questions along the front of their defense

With the mere stroke of a pen, the job of Arizona Cardinals’ defensive line coach Brentson Buckner became much tougher this past March. When Calais Campbell signed his multi-million dollar contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, a huge void was created. It’s now up to Buckner to minimize that loss the best he can, a task that may be harder than most fans realize.

You don’t lose a player of Campbell’s caliber and just move on. Especially when the front office has done nothing this offseason to replace him. Apparently, general manager Steve Keim has scoured the Cards’ defensive line depth and likes what he sees.

That depth includes a combination of mostly unproven youngsters and aging veterans. There’s certainly potential, but no one that stands out above the rest. The most likely solution will be a carefully crafted rotation of all involved by Buckner.

Last year’s first-round draft pick Robert Nkemdiche will have a bright spotlight on him this year. No more coasting through practices or roaming the sidelines on gamedays in street clothes. The Ole Miss star got into head coach Bruce Arians’ doghouse early on last season and never really emerged from it.

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That can’t happen in 2017. Arizona’s brass knew there were red flags on Nkemdiche when they selected him, but nevertheless need to get something out of their investment. According to reports, the 6’4″, 296-pounder has had a good offseason thus far, so hopefully that continues into training camp and beyond.

It appeared that Frostee Rucker was approaching the end of the line in 2016. Injuries and ineffectiveness made up a big portion of the 33-year old’s campaign. Still, Cardinals’ management elected to bring Rucker back, possibly to provide some veteran leadership.

Corey Peters was praised for his play last year. But a closer look shows that it was the worst statistical performance of his career. The Cards are gonna need more than the 21 tackles and zero sacks the 29-year old provided in ’16.

Arizona is placing a lot of faith into fourth-year player Josh Mauro, a former undrafted free agent of the Pittsburgh Steelers. His playing time has been steadily increasing since he became a Cardinal in 2014. Mauro tallied 42 tackles and 13 tackles for a loss last year, numbers he’ll be expected to top in ’17.

Rodney Gunter played well when he replaced an injured Peters in 2015. His playing time decreased last season after Peters’ return, but he should return to a more prominent role for the upcoming campaign. Others waiting in the wings include Ed Stinson, Xavier Williams and Olsen Pierre.

Buckner certainly has his work cut out for him. Will Nkemdiche play to his potential and bail him out? Will Mauro live up to the franchise’s expectations? Will Rucker find the fountain of youth?

Buckner and the Cards will have the answers to those questions very soon. Hopefully they get the answers they desire.

Their Super Bowl aspirations may depend on it.

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