The Arizona Cardinals are a mixed bag on defense, and that is to put things generously. Sure, their defensive backfield can be one outstanding unit, but question marks linger at EDGE, inside linebacker, and defensive line.
That said, trying to figure out who will start where, and who will even remain with the team come the final cutdown in 2023 is anyone’s guess, and what you see in this projection below can be way, way, way off. But at least we have a starting point in Part II of our depth chart projection.
If you missed Part I, which outlined the final depth chart projections for the offense, you can view it here. But if you’ve already checked it out and you’re ready to see what’s in store regarding Part II, keep reading.
Arizona Cardinals depth chart projection for 2023 - Defense and Special Teams
Defensive Line
- DE: L.J. Collier, Jonathan Ledbetter
- NT: Rashard Lawrence, Leki Fotu
- DT: Carlos Watkins, Dante Stills
L.J. Collier is a former first round pick, so there is hope that he can turn things around in a new system. Rashard Lawrence remains as the starting nose tackle, and he has the potential to turn in a decent season if he can finally stay healthy. Jonathan Ledbetter and Leki Fotu are a pair of veterans who can factor in as the primary backups at their respective positions.
Carlos Watkins has made a living as a role player in the NFL, but with the defensive line looking so thin this season, his experience and at least respectable productivity will earn him the starting nod. Dante Stills will line up behind him as the understudy, but you can also expect Stills to see some playing time as the season wears on. And if Stills performs well, the Cards could end up with quite a steal.
EDGE/Outside Linebacker
- Right EDGE/OLB: Zaven Collins, Dennis Gardeck (B.J. Ojulari)
- Left EDGE/OLB: Myjai Sanders, Cameron Thomas
Zaven Collins has been working at EDGE all offseason long, so he will be a frontrunner to lock down one of the two starting jobs in the group. Myjai Sanders and Cameron Thomas will likely battle it out to line up opposite Collins, but I will give it to the former as he looked slightly better at the position last year.
With B.J. Ojulari potentially starting things out on the PUP list, Dennis Gardeck will ultimately win the final spot here. Gardeck is not only experienced, but he also displays leadership abilities and his status as a special teams ace should keep him around.
Inside Linebacker
- ILB: Kyzir White, Owen Pappoe
- ILB: Krys Barnes, Josh Woods, Zeke Turner
This group has a legitimate chance to become a formidable unit, even if Zaven Collins spends all season chasing quarterbacks. Kyzir White has more than proven his worth as a starter, and Krys Barnes has played well enough in his past stop to warrant serious consideration to be the guy to start alongside White.
Owen Pappoe, Josh Woods, and Zeke Turner are likely special teamers, and the latter two could almost exclusively play on the unit. Pappoe is the wildcard who, if he proves that he can acclimate himself to the NFL demands, could end up rotating in with White and Barnes.
Defensive Backs
- CB: Marco Wilson, Kei’Trel Clark
- CB: Antonio Hamilton, Rashad Fenton
- NB/S: Jalen Thompson, Isaiah Simmons, Christian Matthew, (Garrett Williams)
- SS: Budda Baker
- FS: Isaiah Simmons, Jalen Thompson
This is a unit I’m beyond excited about, starting with Marco Wilson, who will start the year as the Arizona Cardinals CB1 and he could ultimately solidify himself as such. Antonio Hamilton is the clear frontrunner for the CB2 job, and Rashad Fenton seems to be the only one who realistically has a chance to take the job in camp.
Garrett Williams is currently on the non-football injury (NFI) list, and Kei-Trel Clark won’t see extended playing time until he proves he’s a better player than Hamilton or Fenton. Christian Matthew could also factor in as a nickel corner, but if the Cards go with a three safety set, Jalen Thompson could win the job.
Simmons looks like he will wind up playing safety, which could forge a dynamic trio between him, Jalen Thompson, and Budda Baker. Baker and Thompson are the unquestioned starters in the group, and they also factor in as a Top 5 tandem in the NFL. Adding Simmons to the equation would form a potentially tremendous trio, with Thompson likely factoring into the slot as well.
Specialists
- K: Matt Prater
- P: Matt Haack
- LS: Aaron Brewer
Matt Prater is the unquestioned kicker for the Arizona Cardinals this season, while Matt Haack is still my frontrunner to win the punting job over Nolan Cooney. When the Cardinals brought back Aaron Brewer, it became clear that he will most likely be the guy in the desert for at least another season.