Edges for most evaluators can either be OLBs or DEs. I’ve covered the more traditional DEs, but understand OLBs are often moved up to the line in various formations. Some put their hand on the ground, others don’t. The advantage an off the line OLB has is they have no one in their face. They can pick a gap and hit the line with speed & momentum. Establishing contain (guarding against the run)can be either the OLB’s responsibility or the DE’s. Most often the OLB. If the defense is blitzing, anything goes. The OLB needs to show discipline and not blindly simply chase the QB. Often times an OLB has pass coverage responsibility, especially when the defense is playing zone. The more versatile and athletic a player is, the better OLB they usually make.
Okwara is a non-factor. Let him go. Collins’ money says he stays, but hopefully as a backup. Xavier Thomas has flashed occasionally as a pass rusher. He needs to learn to finish. He appears to have the needed burst to seal the deal, but his balance has been an issue. He’s worth continuing to develop. Baron Browning is one of the best athletes in the league. He’s fast and agile. He’s also strong enough to set the edge when he stays focused. He missed a sack earlier this season when he went for the ball rather than the QB. He needs to remember his mission. Re-sign him if the price is reasonable and target continued growth.
The Cards’ top 3 OLB rushers are likely found on Injured Reserve. Jesse Luketa must be one of those players who performs worse in practice than in a game. He’s showed the ability to get sacks often enough you’d expect him to be active at least as a situational rusher, but he frequently isn’t. Let the man play. BJ Ojulari is the great unknown rusher. I’ve always been taught that the most critical ability was availability. Ojulari has lacked that in his career. When he did play last season he flashed a little pass rush promise, but he was far from dominant. Frankly at this point I would not count on him. If he plays that’s a bonus, but you can’t build a pass rush depending on him being healthy. The final injured player is Gardeck. He was thought of more of as a special teams player and a situational performer. This past season he was the team’s best pass rusher. They need to keep him, but he may fall back to a part time player depending on whom the Cards can acquire. I’m drafting an Edge. I’d also trade for one or sign a free agent. The Cards don’t have a lot to trade, but maybe a 2026 draft pick would bring what they need. Ossenfort cannot expect this team to successfully rush the passer when facing playoff teams. The Cards need certain producers.
Sure there’s a chance Robinson develops, Ojulari stays healthy and Gardeck continues to astound. I don’t think you target the playoffs based on wishful thinking. Players will be available to acquire. The Cards need to develop a whatever it takes attitude when it comes to pass rushers. The defensive coaches have been able to make a credible pass rush out of smoke and mirrors. Imagine what they could do with the right personnel.
Okwara is a non-factor. Let him go. Collins’ money says he stays, but hopefully as a backup. Xavier Thomas has flashed occasionally as a pass rusher. He needs to learn to finish. He appears to have the needed burst to seal the deal, but his balance has been an issue. He’s worth continuing to develop. Baron Browning is one of the best athletes in the league. He’s fast and agile. He’s also strong enough to set the edge when he stays focused. He missed a sack earlier this season when he went for the ball rather than the QB. He needs to remember his mission. Re-sign him if the price is reasonable and target continued growth.
The Cards’ top 3 OLB rushers are likely found on Injured Reserve. Jesse Luketa must be one of those players who performs worse in practice than in a game. He’s showed the ability to get sacks often enough you’d expect him to be active at least as a situational rusher, but he frequently isn’t. Let the man play. BJ Ojulari is the great unknown rusher. I’ve always been taught that the most critical ability was availability. Ojulari has lacked that in his career. When he did play last season he flashed a little pass rush promise, but he was far from dominant. Frankly at this point I would not count on him. If he plays that’s a bonus, but you can’t build a pass rush depending on him being healthy. The final injured player is Gardeck. He was thought of more of as a special teams player and a situational performer. This past season he was the team’s best pass rusher. They need to keep him, but he may fall back to a part time player depending on whom the Cards can acquire. I’m drafting an Edge. I’d also trade for one or sign a free agent. The Cards don’t have a lot to trade, but maybe a 2026 draft pick would bring what they need. Ossenfort cannot expect this team to successfully rush the passer when facing playoff teams. The Cards need certain producers.
Sure there’s a chance Robinson develops, Ojulari stays healthy and Gardeck continues to astound. I don’t think you target the playoffs based on wishful thinking. Players will be available to acquire. The Cards need to develop a whatever it takes attitude when it comes to pass rushers. The defensive coaches have been able to make a credible pass rush out of smoke and mirrors. Imagine what they could do with the right personnel.
