Arizona Cardinals: Predicting the defensive line
By Scott Allen
Not much love for the Arizona Cardinals defensive line but they certainly can make noise
The Arizona Cardinals only had the NFL’s leader in sacks in 2017 in Chandler Jones. Of course that was from a linebacker spot. This year he will come from the edge on the defensive line.
Not many people think highly of what the Cardinals have to offer in 2018 on the defensive line. They currently have nine defensive ends and six defensive tackles on the roster.
When all is said and done, look for four ends, maybe five, and then four tackles to make the 53-man roster. Jones leads the way.
Third-year player Markus Golden is also going to be an end on the defensive line after time at linebacker as well. He missed most of last season with a torn ACL.
There is currently no timetable for his return. He could be ready by regular season but there are no guarantees at this point.
There is also fourth-year tackle Rodney Gunter. He has shown glimpses of brilliance over the first three seasons of his career. It will be fun to watch him evolve in a new defense.
This could be a make or break it year for Robert Nkemdiche. He was in the doghouse from time to time with Bruce Arians. New head coach Steve Wilks has had nothing but positive things to say about him.
There is also some age on the line. Take tackle Corey Peters for example. He enters his ninth NFL season. Hopefully he can stay healthy in 2018.
The wild card could be Benson Mayowa. He is in his sixth season but his fifth team. He spent the last two years with the Dallas Cowboys before coming to Arizona as a free agent in the offseason.
So how will this line shake out? If the season were to start today, this could be how it ends up looking.
Defensive ends – Jones, Golden, Mayowa, Bryson Albright
Defensive tackles – Nkemdiche, Peters, Gunter, Olson Pierre
Next: Arizona Cardinals' Markus Golden looking to return
This collective group, if they all stay healthy, can produce. Of course right now that could be considered a big if.