The Arizona Cardinals selected linebacker BJ Ojulari with the second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite the draft pedigree, the LSU product already finds himself fighting as the Cardinals approach the 53-man roster cuts Sunday afternoon.
Though Ojulari showed pass-rushing talent as a rookie, he unfortunately missed 2024 with an ACL tear. He played eight games in 2025 and has shown flashes throughout training camp and preseason for the Cardinals.
However, it appears he could already be on the bubble despite the steep draft investment by a rebuilding team hurting for defensive playmakers. Fortunately, he responded well in the Cardinals' recent 42-38 loss to the Green Bay Packers to cap off the preseason.
Cardinals must decide whether to keep BJ Ojulari
Ojulari totaled seven tackles through his first three preseason games. At historic Lambeau Field, he recorded four tackles as well as 1.5 sacks, showing flashes of that second-round upside at just 24 years old.
The question remains whether that was too little too late as Arizona faces a Sunday afternoon deadline to narrow this team down to 53.
It seems far too early for a rebuilding Cardinals team with no playoff aspirations to move on from a former second-round pick who is just 24 years old. It's not like they have a stout defense or this is an expendable position. Plus Ojulari has already shown enough flashes of his upside worthy of a long-term investment.
His direct competition appears to be Eku Leota, who went undrafted out of Auburn in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Leota has spent time with the Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New Orleans Saints before joining the Cardinals in 2025. He may not have the high-upside or draft-pedigree case to make over Ojulari. That said, Leota allowed half a sack all preseason. He's far more reliable and consistent, and he adds value on special teams.
Could Josh Sweat complicate Cardinals' roster decisions?
Despite endless offseason distractions, the Cardinals appear set to head into the 2026 season with Josh Sweat. That suddenly puts unproven players like Ojulari on the chopping block.
He may have the benefit of the doubt as a high draft pick on a rebuilding team that can afford to be patient with his development. Still, it's a far riskier situation than Ojulari would like to admit or expect, seeing the relatively underwhelming impact he's had to this point.
It's not only the direct competition with Leota, but other hybrid players like Jordan Burch and Owen Pappoe also continue to fill out roster spots with their strong play in the preseason action.
Ultimately, as a rebuilding team with nothing but the long-term outlook to prioritize behind these decisions, upside must be weighed more heavily than for other franchises with win-now aspirations in 2026.
Whether Arizona's rebuilding situation proves to be a lifeline for Ojulari remains to be seen.
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