Training camp. What training? The annual event got its name from long ago. Players had offseason jobs and would show up to camp out of shape, so they had to go through the “training process” of getting back in football shape.
The Arizona Cardinals are opening training camp for the 2026 version.
RELATED: ROOKIE FOURTH-ROUND PICK HAS KNEE INJURY
Let’s look at the defensive tackle room.
This year’s group needs a lot of improvement and healthy bodies. New this year is the return of Roy Lopez III, signed
during free agency after a one-year adventure with the Detroit Lions, along with Jonah Williams from the New Orleans Saints and Andrew Billings of the Chicago Bears. Rookies include Southeastern Louisiana’s Kaleb Proctor, who was chosen in Round 4 of April’s NFL draft, plus undrafted rookie Damonic Williams of Oklahoma.
Cardinals’ DT depth chart
- Nose tackle: Roy Lopez,backup Andrew Billings, PJ Mustipher, Damonic Williams
- Defensive tackle: Walter Nolen, backup L.J. Collier, Zach Carter
- Injured: Kaleb Proctor
Best expectations?
The entire defensive tackle situation is relying on Nolen to become a dominant force. He never missed a game at any level until he hit the field in the desert. He was a First Team All-American and First Team All-SEC. Over his final two seasons, he had 22.5 sacks, including 14.0 in his final year. He also had 85 total tackles and 23.5 tackles for loss, which meant he was a good run stopper. Nolen needs to arrive in shape and healthy. He is currently healthy and preparing for the 2026 NFL season.
Lopez replaces the departed Calais Campbell, who was a run-stopping force. Lopez needs to bring his “A” game each week and become a huge clog nestled next to Nolen. Arizona is certain that he is the answer due to his being signed to a two-year deal. Lopez isn’t a big sack guy, but his tackle numbers are very good.
Billings has played for a handful of NFL teams, but he can stop the run if he isn’t huge coming into training camp. The defensive tackle position will become under a rotational basis. The Cardinals will keep just four from this group. The question that remains: Who will become DT4?
Worst case?
Not to jinx anyone, but Nolen has already had two injuries with the Cardinals. Although Lopez is a solid player, he is not an upgrade from Campbell. He will give the defense a good run defense, but there is a drop-off in pass rush. Billings is a big-bodied defensive tackle, but he often will show up to camp with way too many buffets around his waist. Already at 340 pounds, it has been a natural occurrence for him to have an extra 20 pounds and be slow off the snap. He is already on his fifth team, and in his eight seasons, he has only had 191 total tackles.
2026 version?
This group had issues last year. Campbell was a bright spot, and why he wasn’t re-signed is a mystery. So, the team did what they had to do to bring in some capable bodies. Will it be enough? Has this position been solved?
Last year, the Cardinals’ run defense ranked #25 and allowed an average of 126.9 yards per game. Also, 19 rushing touchdowns were scored.
The entire defensive line will come under scrutiny this year. In the NFL draft, the third overall pick could have been one of three stud pass rushers, and instead, RB Jeremiyah Love was selected instead.
So, here is the state of the defensive line, with an emphasis on the interior.
