Big Red
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- Mar 16, 2019
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General Manager Steve Keim made some high-profile moves in free agency, adding J.J. Watt, Rodney Hudson, A.J. Green, Malcolm Butler and others. The Cardinals have lofty goals in 2021, and finding impact rookies would help fortify the roster. We will break down each position group heading into the draft, which will be held from Thursday, April 29 through Saturday, May 1.
Free agent primer: Linebacker
More draft primers: CB I RB
Players under contract: OLB Chandler Jones, ILB Isaiah Simmons, ILB Jordan Hicks, OLB Markus Golden, OLB Devon Kennard, OLB Dennis Gardeck, ILB Tanner Vallejo, ILB Ezekiel Turner, OLB Kylie Fitts, ILB Evan Weaver, OLB Reggie Walker, ILB Terrance Smith, OLB Shareef Miller, ILB Donald Rutledge, OLB Jamell Garcia-Williams, ILB Jamal Carter.
Need: Medium
The Cardinals' situation: The edge rushers have a high ceiling due to the presence of Jones, Golden and defensive end J.J. Watt, who can shift outside depending on the situation. At inside linebacker, Simmons is expected to be a difference-maker in his second NFL season while Hicks is a dependable option as the captain of the defense. Gardeck had seven sacks in 93 defensive snaps a year ago, and if he recovers well from a torn ACL, will be another nice option in pass-rushing situations. Kennard saw his role diminish as 2020 went along but is a proven commodity. Vallejo was re-signed this offseason and is expected to have a role in subpackages on defense. The rest of the players on the roster will angle for positioning on the depth chart.
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