Under-The-Radar: Nordly “Cap” Capi Making His Case For A 53-Man Roster Spot

Nordly “Cap” Capi has bounced around the league since being an undrafted free agent out of Akron in 2015.

He had previous stints with the Jaguars, Ravens, Falcons, and now the Cardinals. Though he was signed to future contracts after the conclusion of the 2016 season, he was considered to be nothing more than a camp body and practice squad player. With his unexpected breakout preseason performance, Capi could make the 53-man roster for the first time in his NFL career.

The Arizona Cardinals have had many injuries at the linebacker position. Alani Fua (knee) and Gabe Martin (Achilles) have been placed on injured reserve. Jarvis Jones (back) was suppose to be Alex Okafor’s replacement but he has not been able to play in the preseason. Philip Wheeler got his first preseason action against his former team this past weekend but his missed time is hurting his play. Cap Capi and Kareem Martin have been the standout backup outside linebackers out of the bunch.

Capi is having the best preseason of his NFL career and is, arguably, having the best preseason among all Cardinals. His consistent play as a pass rusher and run defending outside linebacker is evident on the field and Pro Football Focus is taking notice.

Here are his Preseason Pro Football Focus grades:

• Hall of Fame (vs. DAL): 94.8 (Five Pressures)
• Week 1 (vs OAK): 80.0 (Three Pressures)
• Week 2 (vs CHI): ??? (One Pressure)
• Week 3 (@ ATL): 88.3 (Six Pressures)

On the stat sheet, Capi does not have many sacks but the pressure he gives to opposing quarterbacks is nothing short of outstanding. Since the start of the 2017 preseason, he has been the Cardinals best pass rusher. Capi leads the team with 15 quarterback pressures and is coming off a weekend where he had 1.5 sacks.

Cap Capi has been a pleasant surprise so far. He is currently battling for a roster spot with Jarvis Jones. He has not been able to stay healthy, which gives Capi a better chance at surviving the final cuts. His inexperience might give Jones the edge but his six tackle 1.5 sack performance versus the Atlanta Falcons might have secured him a spot on the 53-man roster.