Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is getting to know his defensive personnel now that the offseason is underway. He has several players he has known from previous teams and a few carryovers from last season.
Who is a player who has caught his attention? He named one of last year’s undrafted rookies who stood out on special teams, linebacker Dennis Gardeck.
Joseph had a funny way of describing him.
“I think a guy that’s going to be a guy that’s going to be a real guy is Gardeck,” he said on the Coaches Chronicle podcast.
Joseph is intrigued by his physical traits.
“He is a 6-foot-2 guy that runs a 4.5,” he said. “He has heavy hands. He can rush and he’s a young backer, so hopefully, he can continue to grow and become a good player for us.”
Gardeck made an impact on special teams. He had eight special teams tackles. He scored a touchdown off a blocked punt. He played with intensity in the preseason to make the team.
Could he progress enough in the offseason and preseason to earn some snaps on defense this coming season? With Joseph specifically naming him as a player who is standing out, he is a player to watch moving forward.
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