Without Kyzir White, unit would have a new look

Zach Gershman

Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort had 12 picks in the the 2024 NFL Draft, the most by an NFL team since 1992. This year, the Cardinals' six selections will slice that total in half, the least amount of picks since Ossenfort took over in 2023. Their first pick is slotted at No. 16. Arizona addressed some of their needs during free agency, but the identity Jonathan Gannon and Ossenfort have built resembles a draft and develop team.

Primer Schedule: Tight end April 10; Safety April 11; Defensive line April 14; Running back April 16; Outside linebacker April 18

Draft primer: Inside linebacker

Previous primers:OL,QB,CB,WR

Players under contract: Mack Wilson Sr., Owen Pappoe, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Milo Eifler, Mykal Walker, Vi Jones, Benton Whitley

The Cardinals' situation: The Cardinals let linebacker Kyzir White leave during free agency. So far, the two-time captain has not found a new home. Their depth piece in 2024, Krys Barnes, also has not signed with a club, and what they do with the resulting hole is TBD. Akeem Davis-Gaither was a free agent signee although he doesn't have much starting experience. Mack Wilson Sr. had an impactful first season with the team, playing both as an off-ball linebacker and coming off the edge. There's optimism about Owen Pappoe's progression as he enters his third season.

The draft class:Multiple mock draftshave the Cardinals landing Jihaad Campbell in the first round of the draft. Campbell is the best off-ball linebacker in the class, racking up over 100 tackles during his final season in Tuscaloosa. Surgery on a recently repaired torn labrum could deter some teams from Campbell, but he'd fill a need if drafted by the Cardinals. Georgia's Jalon Walker has the versatility, similar to Wilson, to drop back in coverage and rush the passer. The other players in the draft class aren't first-rounders but could make an impact if drafted.

The conclusion: General manager Monti Ossenfortdidnt rule out the possibility of bringing back their own free agents.However, if the best off-ball linebacker in the class is available, the Cardinals would at least consider drafting Campbell. That also depends on if the staff believes they have White's replacement already in the building, whether that be Wilson or Davis-Gaither.