Analyzing the Arizona Cardinals 2021 draft class after year one
By Sion Fawkes
![(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Zaven Collins (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Zaven Collins](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fraisingzona-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1334059411-850x560-14a6b1a3b8f4d47b486035ef66d97e88ce9a3c14179407d9d651b1277e76eae0.jpg)
Victor Dimukeje – LB
While the Cardinals drafted two players in the sixth round, they traded their second pick, Tay Gowan, to the Philadelphia Eagles as part of the trade package that brought in Zach Ertz. It was pretty much a redshirt season for Dimukeje, who played in just five percent of the team’s defensive snaps.
However, out of his 45 snaps on defense, he logged three tackles, one quarterback hurry, and two pressures. With Chandler Jones‘ status still uncertain for next season, Dimukeje at least showed enough during his cameo appearances to warrant attention heading into Year 2.
Not that he will ever evolve into anything more than a high-end backup, but he performed well when called upon. He also played in 57 percent of the Cardinals’ special teams snaps. So if anything else, he provides decent service there. Expect little from Dimukeje, but don’t be surprised if he becomes a part-time starter given the potential he’s shown.