All offseason, hype has been building around the Arizona Cardinals defense. Key additions like Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell, Walter Nolen, and Will Johnson have fans dreaming about a potentially dominant unit.
These players will certainly make a major impact in 2025, but one defender is flying under the radar as a breakout candidate for the Cardinals this season.
Darius Robinson could make a big jump in year two
Darius Robinson's rookie season didn't quite go as expected. After being selected near the end of the first round in the 2024 NFL Draft, Robinson was set to play a big role in Jonathan Gannon's defense. However, a preseason calf injury limited his rookie season to just six games.
In those six games, Robinson played a total of just 184 snaps on defense. He took some time to get adjusted, earning an abysmal defensive grade of 48.4 from PFF. Robinson had just one sack on the season.
Sure, the raw numbers from Darius Robinson's rookie season are disappointing. But he wasn't set up for success in any way. Any rookie, especially one coming off of a major injury, should be expected to have a slow start in the NFL. The speed and physicality of the professional game cause an adjustment period that can lead to "disappointing" stat lines.
On top of that, Robinson was playing on one of the worst defensive fronts in the league. He didn't get the benefit of playing next to established stars who command the attention of opposing offenses.
All of that is set to change in 2025. The Arizona Cardinals have completely overhauled their defensive front. There's a realistic chance that they will have a completely new starting front five to enter the season. Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, and Walter Nolen will all draw the focus of opposing offensive lines.
There's also some speculation that Darius Robinson could move to the interior defensive line this season. At that position, he could use his impressive strength and hand usage to make a major impact.
Robinson has put in the work to get better this offseason. In a recent interview, he talked about his work this offseason, saying, "I went into it realizing every day I got 24 hours, and what am I gonna do to make the most out of it? You know, I feel like I've got a lot to prove this year."
With a full offseason of work under his belt, a healthy body, and a dramatically improved roster around him, Darius Robinson could be set to prove himself in his sophomore season.