5 things to watch for during the Cardinals 2021 preseason

How will Collins lead Arizona’s defense?

Jordan Hicks made a bit of a splash during a training camp press conference when he claimed that Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim had told him there would be no competition at the MIKE linebacker position.

That means rookie Zaven Collins will be handed the keys to the Cardinals defense and it will be worth watching in the preseason how he handles the responsibility.

The 22-year-old looks to be the youngest starting middle linebacker in the National Football League and that comes with a great deal of stress and duties. It will be interesting how much he seems to take over the leadership of the defense with the presence of highly accomplished veterans like JJ Watt, Chandler Jones, and Budda Baker surrounding him.

Keep an eye on the rookie as he gets the chance to get valuable reps during the preseason that last year’s rookie, Isaiah Simmons, did not receive.