NFL Combine Defensive Positional Rankings
The NFL Scouting Combine is here, which means teams will soon be getting final grades on players. The same goes for draft analysts who have devoted so many hours to this class to help fans know what moves your team could make and why.
In the case of the Arizona Cardinals, they have seen a personnel overhaul that is soon going to reflect on the roster as well. It will really start in free agency but prior to that, the combine will help steer the ship. We get to see what positions are deeper with talent, who can boost their stock, and who was who everyone expected them to be.
For now, here are some positional rankings, and as a bonus, the positions deemed as needed will have extra players ranked. After each ranking, there will also be a player highlighted as to why they would be a perfect fit for the Cardinals team in 2023 and beyond.
These are your defensive positional rankings.
Defensive Linemen
1). Jalen Carter, Georgia
2). Bryan Bresee, Clemson
3). Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
4). Mazi Smith, Michigan
5). Keanu Benton, Wisconsin
6). Siaki Ika, Baylor
7). Byron Young, Alabama
8). Gervon Dexter, Florida
9). Jaquelin Roy, LSU
10). Zacch Pickens, South Carolina
Featured Player: Bryan Bresee
Bryan Bresee did not have the year he was expecting following a strong 2021 but that doesn’t mean the tools aren't there for a team like the Cardinals to utilize. He has the ability to play edge or interior defensive line which makes his positional versatility more valuable than most. Him on the Cardinals could be a fit at two positions instead of one increasing the value of the pick.
Edge Rushers
1). Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
2). Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
3). Keion White, Georgia Tech
4). Myles Murphy, Clemson
5). Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
6). B.J. Ojulari, LSU
7). Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
8). Isaiah Froskey, Notre Dame
9). Will McDonald IV, Iowa State
10). Byron Young, Tennessee
Featured Player: Keion White
Keion White has only been an edge rusher for two years, prior he played tight end at Old Dominion and Georgia Tech. I bring this up because he already is showing such promise that he is my third-ranked edge player. His speed paired with his raw athletic ability makes him a dual threat at the line. If the team misses out on a big name and want a project I would love the fit for the Cardinals.
Linebackers
1). Trenton Simpson, Clemson
2). Noah Sewell, Oregon
3). Jack Campbell, Iowa
4). Drew Sanders, Arkansas
5). DeMarvion Overshown, Texas
Featured Player: Noah Sewell
Isaiah Simmons is poised to perhaps finally have a breakout year alongside Zaven Collins. Both players have not found their footing but under new head coach Jonathan Gannon and his staff, they may finally get there. A nice backup plan would be Noah Sewell who flies around the field with electrical speed and has the eyes to read and diagnose whatever the offense tries to pull against them.
Cornerbacks
1). Devon Weatherspoon, Illinois
2). Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
3). Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
4). Deonte Banks, Maryland
5). Clark Phillips III, Utah
Featured Player: Clark Phillips III
Clark Phillips III is an undersized corner but the way he finds the ball and plays aggressively you wouldn’t know it. While we don’t have exact measurements, his arms look to make up for what he lacks in height allowing him to play bigger than he is. His opposite Marco Wilson, or alongside Byron Murphy, would give the Cardinals much-needed depth at the corner position.
Safeties
1). Brian Branch, Alabama
2). Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
3). Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State
4). Jammie Robinson, Florida State
5). Sydney Brown, Illinois
Featured Player: Ji’Ayir Brown
Ji’Ayir Brown has not been talked about enough this draft cycle or throughout his college career. Brown was mister do it all for Penn State during his career and that style should be just as much fun in the NFL. He does great at finding the ball and forcing turnovers but also penetrates the backfield to blow plays up before they even develop. Him in rotation with Budda Baker would be hilarious if we are being honest to watch as they both would do nothing but create chaos.
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