Arizona Cardinals: 5 second-year players looking to contribute

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 22: Defensive end Zach Allen #97 of the Arizona Cardinals smiles prior to the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Carolina Panthers won 38-20. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

The Arizona Cardinals third round selection, Zach Allen, came to the desert with high expectations. The defensive end from Boston College was supposed to add some youth and athleticism to an aging defensive line

Allen had a productive college career with 199 career tackles, 40.5 of them for loss, and 16.5 sacks. Not a prolific pass rusher, Allen was meant to assist in run defense and anchor the line next to veteran Corey Peters.

Cardinals fans did not get to see much of the promising defensive player in 2019. A neck injury in Week 4 placed Allen on the Injured Reserve list for the rest of the season.

Missing out on those all-important rookie snaps will be a big issue for Allen heading into this season. His current NFL experience consists of 97 snaps over 4 games.

Allen is going to be looking to find his role for the Arizona Cardinals in 2020. The addition of Jordan Phillips through free agency bolstered the defensive line and may leave fewer snaps for Allen.

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