The Arizona Cardinals aim to drastically improve their defense in 2025 after ranking in the middle of the pack in points and total yards in 2024. One area of defense to monitor throughout the summer is the off-ball linebacker position. The Cardinals have a competition for the two starting spots between three players, including a late-round rookie.
The Arizona Cardinals selected a Big 10 star
The Arizona Cardinals drafted Cody Simon 115th overall in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He had a strong five-year tenure with the Ohio State Buckeyes, recording 259 tackles, 25 TFLs, ten sacks, one interception, 11 pass deflections, and two forced fumbles in 59 games and 30 starts. Simon had a breakout 2024 campaign, recording a career-high 112 tackles, 13 TFLs, seven sacks, seven pass deflections, and one forced fumble in 15 games, earning a Third-Team All-Big 10 selection.
He will compete against Mack Wilson Sr. and Akeem Davis-Gaither.
He had an impressive spring
Cody Simon impressed the coaching staff during spring practices and has even taken on the responsibility of wearing the green dot on his helmet. The green dot essentially grants players access to the defensive play callers’ microphone and is responsible for calling plays and ensuring everyone is in the correct formation. If Simon continues to impress in training camp, he has a real shot at starting in Week 1 and leading the defense in his rookie season.
Arizona Cardinals’ Day 3 steal impresses head coach
During a press conference, Jonathan Gannon offered praise for Cody Simon, via Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. The head coach said the fourth-round pick has shown flashes during the spring, pointing to his versatility and ability to play in different spots. Gannon also commended Simon for his desire to learn and for not making the same mistake twice.
“He’s definitely flashed here,” Gannon said, via Weinfuss. “We got him playing a couple different spots, so that’s good. He is playing on fourth down right now, so he is learning all that. He’s eager to learn. He doesn’t make mistakes twice and he’s got juice. He’s physical, just like all those guys. Long way to go. But I like where he is at.”
