GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals are expected to make some noise heading into the 2025 season. General manager Monti Ossenfort had a massive offseason adding dynamic players in free agency and the draft. The team is expected to make a playoff push and make the postseason for the first time since 2021. The roster’s talent is known throughout the Valley but might be underrated when it comes to the national spotlight.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin wanted to shine some light on the most underrated players at each position in the league. Through his list, Dubin named two Cardinals players in running back James Conner and defensive lineman Calais Campbell. Arizona is one of two teams to appear twice on the list, the other being the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) celebrates after scoring against the New York Jets during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 10, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Dubin on Conner’s importance to Cardinals:
“There’s something about Conner’s playing style that invites people to underrate his impact. Maybe it’s because he’s he’s such a big, bruising-looking player at 6-foot-1 and 233 pounds, but his efficiency on a per-carry basis and especially his impact in the passing game often go overlooked. He just had his two best rushing seasons of his career at age 28 and 29 and doesn’t look like he’s slowing down.”
Nov 24, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) runs for yards after the catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Conner has had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the franchise and has made it an elite rushing attack the past few years. Arizona has been within the top five in rushing yards per game the past two seasons because of Conner’s prowess. The 30-year-old is entering his fifth season with the Cardinals and looks to be better than ever.
The second name is a returning Campbell, who was drafted by the franchise back in 2008. Campbell is a six-time Pro Bowler, and despite entering his age-39 season, is still an impact player on the field. Dubin highlighted Campbell’s versatility to play inside and outside on the line to battle against the run and pass.
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) reacts as he leaves the field after defeating the Green Bay Packers in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, Campbell had the most tackles for loss with 12 since 2018. Campbell’s five-sack season last year would’ve tied linebacker Zaven Collins for the most on the team. Even after only playing in 58% of Miami’s defensive snaps, Campbell put up impressive counting stats for the team.
Campbell joins an Arizona’s defense filled with young talent in the front seven, that he’ll be able to mentor and lead by example heading into next season.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
