The Arizona Cardinals improved their pass-rushing unit by adding Josh Sweat and re-signing Baron Browning. However, despite bringing in and retaining those two EDGE rushers, this doesn’t mean they won’t add any more talent to the position, given the importance of a rotational pass-rushing unit. Also, Sweat is the only player under contract for the next four years as the Cardinals face long-term uncertainty.
Also Read: Arizona Cardinals: Sign Underrated Pass Rusher to a 2-year Deal
Arizona Cardinals hosted an underrated All-SEC pass rusher
According to Justin Melo, the Cardinals hosted former Ole Miss Rebels’ pass rusher Princely Umanmielen for a 30 visit this week. Umanmielen is an underrated prospect because of his ability to rush the passer consistently, and he is considered a top-10 EDGE rusher toward the latter end. Many analysts have mocked him as a late first to early second-round pick.
.@OleMissFB ED Princely Umanmielen is among the premier pass rushers available in the 2025 NFL Draft.
30 visit + Combine formal with Cardinals. Combine formal with Buccaneers, among so many others.
In-depth convo with @D1Princely on @TheDraftNetwork:https://t.co/oUY0grXgMB
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 1, 2025
He had a great lone season with Ole Miss
After spending the first four years of his college career with the Florida Gators, Princely Umanmielen transferred to the Ole Miss Rebels for the 2024 season. Umanmielen had a breakout senior year, boasting career highs in tackles for loss, pressures, and sacks, earning him a First Team All-SEC selection. He recorded 37 tackles, 14 TFLs, 10.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. He also posted 55 pressures and a 22.8% pass rush win rate, ranking 12th in pressures and 3rd in pass rush win rate (h/t) PFF.
Here’s Lance Zierlein‘s scouting report on Princely Umanmielen
“Finesse edge defender with traits, athleticism and upside to have his sack production translate to the NFL. Umanmielen is a serious ground-gainer with burst, stride and bend to create shallow edges leading directly into the quarterback’s drop space.
“He’s not instinctive and takes predictable pathways to the pocket, but he’s simply hard to keep out of the pocket due to his attributes. He lacks play strength and aggression as a run defender.
“He will have trouble setting edges and might not be an early down option early in his career. Umanmielen is an ascending stand-up edge rusher who might be just scratching the surface of his already threatening rush talent.”
Zierlein predicts that Umanmielen will eventually become a plus starter in the NFL.
