When the Arizona Cardinals claimed defensive tackle Alameda Ta'amu off waivers, there was no way to predict how big an impact he would have on the defense.
He essentially split snaps in base defenses with Dan Williams, but was a key part of the team's rush defense, which was number one in the NFL a season ago.
Teammate Lorenzo Alexander, who was a guest on Arizona Sports 98.7 on Friday, spoke glowingly of him.
"'Watching (Ta'amu) from a film perspective, what he was able to do after that first game after he started, I think in Tampa, the way he developed (was great)," he said. "He was in the backfield a whole lot, killing double teams, throwing guys around and making running backs cut."
Ta'amu tore his ACL late in the season and has rehabbed all offseason. He is expected to start training camp on the PUP list. His returnis coming, though.
While Dan Williams is capable to anchor the middle of the line, Ta'amu, who is 6-3 and 350 pounds, is bigger and a little more explosive.
Getting him back will be crucial to maintaining that top level rush defense.