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The Arizona Cardinals have spent big money on their defensive line the last two offseasons. They added Jordan Phillips in 2020 on a three-year, $30 million deal and then signed J.J. Watt this year to a two-year, $28 million contract. Watt plays on the interior and also as an edge rusher.
The Cardinals also have Zach Allen, their third-round pick in 2019 whom they had as the 25th player on their board.
However, even with players they believe are very good, not a single Cardinals defensive lineman on Doug Farrar’s list of the top interior defenders for Touchdown Wire.
It makes sense. Phillips has only had one great season in 2019 and followed that up in 2020 with an injury-filled year in which he landed on injured reserve twice.
Watt might crack the list of edge defenders but his production the last couple of seasons has been only good instead of otherworldly.
The top of the list is naturally a player the Cardinals face twice a year — Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams.
If all goes well, at least Phillips should be on this list in a year from now.
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