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Cardinals training camp: OLB competition for playing time after Josh Sweat TBD

Cardinals Training Camp Heats Up with Fierce Outside Linebacker Competition

GLENDALE, Ariz. — As the Arizona Cardinals kick off their training camp under the sweltering desert sun, one position group is drawing intense scrutiny and excitement: the outside linebackers. With a mix of seasoned veterans, promising rookies, and hungry journeymen vying for starting spots and rotational roles, the OLB competition promises to be one of the most compelling storylines of the preseason. Head coach Jonathan Gannon has emphasized the importance of a robust pass rush in his defensive scheme, and this battle could shape the Cardinals' defensive identity for the upcoming season.

The Cardinals' defense has long been anchored by its ability to pressure quarterbacks, but injuries and inconsistencies plagued the unit last year. Entering camp, the team is looking to bolster its edge-rushing capabilities, blending experience with youthful athleticism. At the forefront of this competition is a cadre of players each bringing unique skills to the table, from explosive speed off the edge to relentless motor in pursuit. Gannon, known for his defensive-minded approach from his time in Philadelphia, has made it clear that no spot is guaranteed. "We're going to let the best players play," he said during the first media availability of camp. "This group has talent, but it's about consistency and execution."

Leading the pack is veteran standout Dennis Gardeck, who has emerged as a reliable force since joining the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Gardeck's journey is the stuff of underdog tales: after starting his career on special teams, he broke out with seven sacks in 2020, showcasing his quick first step and ability to bend around tackles. However, a torn ACL in 2021 sidelined him, and while he bounced back with 46 tackles and a sack last season, questions linger about his durability at age 29. In the early days of camp, Gardeck has looked sharp, consistently disrupting plays in team drills and earning praise from defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. "Dennis is a pro's pro," Rallis noted. "He sets the tone with his work ethic, and that's infectious for the younger guys."

Challenging Gardeck for a starting role is Zaven Collins, the versatile linebacker who transitioned to a full-time edge role last season after being drafted as an inside linebacker in 2021. At 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, Collins possesses the ideal frame for an OLB in the Cardinals' 3-4 scheme, with long arms that allow him to disengage from blockers and a surprising burst for his size. His 2023 campaign was a mixed bag—41 tackles, one sack, and an interception—but flashes of dominance, like his game-sealing pick against the Eagles, hint at untapped potential. Collins has spent the offseason refining his pass-rush moves, working with private trainers to improve his hand usage and bend. In camp, he's been paired opposite Gardeck in first-team reps, and the chemistry is building. "I feel like I'm just scratching the surface," Collins told reporters after a practice session. "This defense is about creating chaos, and I'm ready to be that guy who quarterbacks fear."

Adding depth and intrigue to the competition is Victor Dimukeje, a 2021 sixth-round pick who has steadily climbed the depth chart. Dimukeje's raw athleticism—highlighted by his 4.83-second 40-yard dash at his pro day—makes him a tantalizing prospect. Last season, he recorded 32 tackles and four sacks, including a multi-sack game against the Bears that showcased his ability to collapse the pocket. At 24, Dimukeje is still developing his technique, particularly in setting the edge against the run, but his upside is evident. Camp observers have noted his improved pad level and swim moves, which have led to several "sacks" in non-contact drills. "Vic is explosive," said teammate BJ Ojulari, another OLB in the mix. "He's got that dog in him, and it's showing every day."

Speaking of Ojulari, the second-year player out of LSU is another key contender pushing for snaps. Drafted in the second round last year, Ojulari brings pedigree as the brother of Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari. His rookie season was cut short by a quadriceps injury after just seven games, where he managed 16 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Now fully healthy, Ojulari has impressed with his speed-to-power conversion and relentless pursuit. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, he's a natural fit for sub-package roles, where his quickness can exploit mismatches. In one-on-one drills, Ojulari has consistently beaten offensive tackles, drawing comparisons to his brother's early career flashes. "The injury was tough, but it fueled me," Ojulari shared. "I'm here to prove I belong and help this team win."

The competition isn't limited to these four; the Cardinals have bolstered their depth with intriguing additions like Jesse Luketa and Cameron Thomas. Luketa, a 2022 seventh-rounder from Penn State, has versatility on his side, having played both inside and outside. His special teams contributions last year (11 tackles) earned him a roster spot, but he's aiming higher. Thomas, a third-round pick in 2022, showed promise with three sacks as a rookie but regressed slightly last season. Both are fighting for rotational spots, with Luketa's football IQ and Thomas's bend giving them edges in specific situations.

What makes this OLB battle so fascinating is how it ties into the broader defensive strategy. Gannon's scheme relies on multiple rushers to create pressure without over-relying on blitzes, a philosophy that worked wonders in Philadelphia. The Cardinals ranked in the bottom half of the league in sacks last season (33 total), so improving the edge rush is paramount. Practices have featured creative alignments, with OLBs dropping into coverage or stunting inside to confuse protections. This versatility demands well-rounded players, which is why the competition emphasizes not just sacks but also run defense and coverage skills.

Injuries could play a pivotal role, as they have in past camps. Gardeck's history and Ojulari's recent setback underscore the need for depth. The coaching staff is rotating players extensively, giving everyone a chance to shine against the first-team offensive line, led by tackles Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams. "It's iron sharpening iron," Gannon said. "Our O-line is tough, so if you can win reps against them, you're ready for Sundays."

As camp progresses toward joint practices and preseason games, the pecking order will start to clarify. Preseason matchups against teams like the Saints and Colts will provide live reps, where the OLBs can test their mettle in game-like scenarios. For now, the energy is palpable—players are pushing each other, celebrating big plays, and fostering a competitive yet supportive environment.

This OLB competition isn't just about individual glory; it's about elevating the entire defense. With quarterback Kyler Murray healthy and the offense poised for a bounce-back, a stout front seven could make the Cardinals contenders in the NFC West. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, as the winners of this battle could determine whether Arizona's defense turns potential into production.

Beyond the starters, the ripple effects extend to special teams and practice squad roles. Undrafted rookies like Xavier Thomas, a speedy edge from Clemson, are turning heads with their hustle, potentially earning a spot through sheer determination. The Cardinals' front office, led by general manager Monti Ossenfort, has prioritized building through the draft and low-cost signings, making this homegrown competition a testament to their strategy.

In interviews, players express a collective mindset. "We're all rooting for each other, but we know it's a business," Dimukeje said. "The best will rise." That sentiment echoes through the facility, where position meetings dissect film, and individual drills hone techniques like the rip-and-run or bull rush.

As the sun sets on another grueling day of camp, the OLB group gathers for walkthroughs, bonding over shared goals. This isn't just a position battle; it's a microcosm of the Cardinals' rebuild—gritty, competitive, and full of promise. By the time roster cuts arrive, the survivors will have earned their stripes, ready to unleash on opposing offenses. For Arizona, the path to relevance starts here, on the edges of the defense. (Word count: 1,128)

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