Arizona Cardinals: Five questions that must be answered in the draft
By Avery Duncan
How will Keim continue to build around Vance Joseph’s 3-4 defense?
The Cardinals signed an offensive-minded head coach, but in free agency, they rebuilt the defense. In total, they signed six veteran’s that will play key-roles and retained some of their own. Those signings from outside include;
- Brooks Reed – EDGE
- Darius Philon – IDL
- Jordan Hicks – LB
- Robert Alford – CB
- Terrell Suggs – EDGE
- Tramaine Brock – CB
All six of those signings, along with their resigning of IDL Rodney Gunter appear to be ones that will fit Vance Joseph’s 3-4 defense. But that shouldn’t be all of the additions made, especially if Kyler Murray is the pick.
Ultimately, Quinnen Williams is the best scheme fit in this draft for a 3-4. He’s a generational interior defensive line prospect in a league that values the position heavily. Nick Bosa, on the other hand, plays a more premium position at edge rusher but he’s not the best fit. The Ohio State product is more of a 4-3 edge rusher.
But, if Bosa or Williams is the pick, Joseph will have a nice defensive core to work with. However, if the pick is Murray, don’t doubt that the Cardinals add those pieces later on in a deep class for 3-4 lineman. This really depends on who the top pick is.
Don’t expect Keim to gloss over the defense though. Yes, he’s added pieces, but the defense still has a long ways to go until they can be a top unit. If Kingsbury’s offense has some kinks to work out, the defensive unit will be relied on heavily earlier on in the year.