As the Cardinals head toward training camp, azcardinals.com takes a look at each position on the roster before report day. Next up, defensive line.
THE ROOM: Darius Robinson, Walter Nolen III, Dante Stills, Roy Lopez, L.J. Collier, Andrew Billings, PJ Mustipher, Jonah Williams, Damonic Williams, Zach Carter
WHO COULD SEE THE FIELD ON GAME DAY: Darius Robinson, Walter Nolen III, Dante Stills, Roy Lopez, L.J. Collier, Andrew Billings
Nick Rallis has said there will be changes made to the defense come 2026. It'd be a big philosophical change if he transitioned away from a consistent rotation at defensive line. On the current roster, Dante Stills was the only Cardinals defensive lineman to play in every game last year. It's impressive to see the career the 2023 sixth-rounder has made for himself. Roy Lopez played in every game for Detroit and put up career-highs with two sacks and five quarterback pressures. Health is what it comes down to for the D-Line. Darius Robinson, Walter Nolen III, and L.J. Collier can make a difference, they just need to be on the field.
PLAYER IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Darius Robinson
If there is anyone on the Cardinals roster who has a major spotlight on them, it's Robinson. There were times last year where Robinson showed why the Cardinals took him with the 27th pick in 2024. There were also moments that showed he has room to improve. He said he was not who he thought he was following a frustrating Week 13 defeat, but added he has the confidence to turn it around. That's what this season will be centered around for Robinson. Next offseason, the Cardinals will have to decide on a fifth-year option for Robinson, so it's a pivotal year all around.
PLAYER TO KEEP AN EYE ON: Andrew Billings
There was excitement for Lopez's return to the defensive line, but an addition equally as big was Andrew Billings. At 6-foot-1 and 340 pounds, the nose tackle looks like a giant. Once the pads come on during training camp, he'll be impossible to miss. Once the camp battles begin, Billings will be a good test for the Cardinals offense. But as someone that can take up a ton of space in the trenches, he's a player to keep an eye on, especially when the Cardinals look to stop the run.
