Raising Zona
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Arizona Cardinals: 5 intriguing roster additions

By Scott Allen

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 30: Alec James #57 of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts to a sack during the third quarter of a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Camp Randall Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 30: Alec James #57 of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts to a sack during the third quarter of a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Camp Randall Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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PROVO, UT – NOVEMBER 12: Wide receiver Mitchell Juergens #87 of the Brigham Young Cougars can’t catch the pass while being defended by Mike Needham #34 of the Southern Utah Thunderbirds in the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Provo Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
PROVO, UT – NOVEMBER 12: Wide receiver Mitchell Juergens #87 of the Brigham Young Cougars can’t catch the pass while being defended by Mike Needham #34 of the Southern Utah Thunderbirds in the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Provo Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

Mike Needham, LB, Southern Utah

The 6’3 linebacker out of Southern Utah brings a guy with a lot of playing experience behind him.  In 2017 he had 100 tackles for the Thunderbirds, seven of those tackles for loss.  He also lead the team in tackles in 2016 with 76.

He was Big Sky All-Conference in 2016 and had four full seasons with the team.  He also had seven passes defensed last season as a linebacker.

Being able to pass defense that much from the linebacker position shows he is the type of player who gets all over the place.  Needham ran the second fastest 40-yard time in the FCS Combine for edge players.

Needham ran a 4.53, which is considered top-10 speed for edge rushers.  The guy can fly so it will be fun to see what he has to offer.

Coming from a small school, certainly Needham has his work cut out for him but small school guys work out more often than they used to.  One draft analyst called Needham a small school gem.

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