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The Arizona Cardinals did what they wanted to in free agency. They have largely received solid but not spectacular grades, as they clearly improved their defense, landing pass rusher Josh Sweat and defensive lineman Dalvn Tomlinson.
Before the start of the league year, Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort said this about his goal for free agency: “When we get through free agency, can we go out and play a game? We don’t want to go into a draft saying, 'We absolutely have to draft this position to fill this need.'”
As a team that looks to build the team through the draft, they did exactly that. Some areas can be improved, but they don't have a position where they feel they are woefully deficient.
On offense, they have the following rotation:
They could add a better receiver and right guard, although 2024 third-round pick did finish the season as the starter. As he started five games, they are okay with him playing.
Defensively, the rotation looks like this:
Both the offensive and defensive rotations are at least as good as they were last year. The offense has not taken a step back in talent from the end of last season. The defense is better now.
They have their specialists — kicker Chad Ryland, punter Blake Gillikin and long snapper Aaron Brewer. And DeeJay Dallas and Greg Dortch can still handle the return duties.
The Cardinals don't have glaring holes. They can put a team on the field and feel pretty all right.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: NFL free agency: Arizona Cardinals enter NFL draft without big needs
Continue reading...
Before the start of the league year, Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort said this about his goal for free agency: “When we get through free agency, can we go out and play a game? We don’t want to go into a draft saying, 'We absolutely have to draft this position to fill this need.'”
As a team that looks to build the team through the draft, they did exactly that. Some areas can be improved, but they don't have a position where they feel they are woefully deficient.
On offense, they have the following rotation:
- Quarterback Kyler Murray
- Running backs James Conner, Trey Benson and Emari Demercado
- Wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson and Zay Jones, with Greg Dortch tendered as a restricted free agent
- Tight ends Trey McBride, Elijah Higgins and Tip Reiman
- Offensive linemen Paris Johnson, Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, Isaiah Adams and Jonah Williams
They could add a better receiver and right guard, although 2024 third-round pick did finish the season as the starter. As he started five games, they are okay with him playing.
Defensively, the rotation looks like this:
- Defensive linemen Justin Jones, Dalvin Tomlinson, Darius Robinson, Bilal Nichols, Dante Stills and L.J. Collier
- Outside linebackers Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, Baron Browning, BJ Ojulari, Xavier Thomas
- Inside linebackers Akeem Davis-Gaither and Mack Wilson
- Cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting, Max Melton, Garrett Williams and Star Thomas
- Safeties Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson
Both the offensive and defensive rotations are at least as good as they were last year. The offense has not taken a step back in talent from the end of last season. The defense is better now.
They have their specialists — kicker Chad Ryland, punter Blake Gillikin and long snapper Aaron Brewer. And DeeJay Dallas and Greg Dortch can still handle the return duties.
The Cardinals don't have glaring holes. They can put a team on the field and feel pretty all right.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: NFL free agency: Arizona Cardinals enter NFL draft without big needs
Continue reading...
