We move to the group of inside linebackers on the roster and preview what you need to know about the Arizona Cardinals at that position as training camp begins.
We will go over the players, the questions, the expectations, the roster battles and outlook at the position.
The players
As camp begins, the Cardinals have seven players at inside linebacker.
- Dennis Gardeck: He enters his season year in the league and with the team.
- Jordan Hicks: He begins his fifth NFL season and first with the Cardinals after signing a free agent deal in the offseason.
- Haason Reddick: He is in his third season with the team and in the league.
- Pete Robertson: He is technically a first-year player even though he played in four games in 2017 for the Redskins. He is in his second season with the Cardinals. He was on the practice squad in December.
- Zeke Turner: He enters his second year in the NFL and with the Cardinals.
- Tanner Vallejo: He is in his third NFL season and first with the Cardinals. He was claimed off waivers in the offseason.
- Joe Walker: He is in his fourth year and second with the Cardinals.
- Dante Booker: He is an undrafted rookie.
The questions
This has the potential to be a very good unit but there are questions. The first is about Jordan Hicks and his health. He has been an incredibly talented and productive player but he has only played all 16 games of a season once.
Can Haason Reddick find stability and look like a linebacker?
Do they have enough depth at the position? After all, Tanner Vallejo is the most experienced guy among the non-starters and he has one NFL start.
The expectations
This group has to have big numbers. That is how the defense is designed. The inside linebackers should fill the stat line.
Reddick and Hicks should be productive.
Dennis Gardeck might get some playing time. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph really likes him.
Roster battles and outlook
The locks for the roster are Hicks, Reddick, Gardeck and Turner.
Turner was an absolute stud on special teams and Gardeck was great, too. After that, the rest of the guys are battling for maybe one roster spot or maybe just the practice squad.
This is a position where it would not be surprising to see a veteran added. ,
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