Undrafted free agent linebackers and defensive tackle: Is there a diamond in the rough for the 2018 Arizona Cardinals

With the 2018 NFL Rookie Mini-Camp for the Arizona Cardinals it is time to get to know some of the players who will be pursuing their dreams of making an NFL roster.

We have taken a look at both the Wisconsin Badger prospects: Ramesh and James.

We have looked at the defensive backs and wide receivers.

Yesterday we took a look at the offensive linemen and tight ends.

Today, it is the defensive lineman and linebacker.

Walter again walks you through some of the information he has gathered from around the web on the prospects.

Dennis Gardeck, OLB, 6-0, 242, Sioux Falls (4.57 40, 31 reps, 7.35 3 cone)

From USF Cougars:

Selected finalist for Cliff Harris Award (Small College Defensive Player of the Year) and nominated for the Harlon Hill Trophy as DII Player of the Year in 2017…named to four All-American teams as a senior in 2017 at USF, leading Cougars to the playoffs…was named first team All-NSIC and NSIC Defensive Newcomer of the year in 2017…four-time all-league performer, including three times to the All-Mountain East squad…named honorable mention as freshman; first team all conference as a junior and second team all conference at a senior. at West Virginia State..in four years Gardeck finished his career with 345 career tackles, 57.5 tackles for loss, 32 sacks, nine forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception…had 11 games with double digit tackles.

Frank Ginda, LB, 6-0, 235, San Jose St. (4.70 40, 29 reps, 6.80 3 cone)

From John Harris of the Washington Post

If it moved in the Mountain West Conference, more than likely, Ginda tackled it. He amassed 173 tackles in 13 games to lead the nation (more than 13 stops per game) last season as a junior and decided to enter the draft to capitalize on that performance. He had 179 stops in his first two seasons, so it wasn’t as if he was a one-year wonder. He’s quick to the football and seemingly has an idea where every play is going to take place. He’s excellent against the run and, even more important, it seems in the new NFL world order, he plays the zone read and quarterback run extremely well. I love the pop in his pads and the fact that once he makes contact, the play is done; he didn’t miss often. He’s nearly the same exact size as Roquan Smith and ran relatively well at his pro day (averaged 4.7 in the 40). He knocked out a 6.8 on the three-cone, not surprising given the way he can redirect to the ball carrier. He’s going to be a team’s Day 3 draft steal, no question.

Mike Needham, LB, 6-3, 224, Southern Utah (4.56 40, 20 reps, 35” VJ, 10’6” BJ, 4.42 SS, 7.15 3 cone).

Needham is one of just 39 players in Big Sky history to earn first-team all-league honors three consecutive years. In 2017, Needham led the team with 76 tackles, 9 TFL, 3 sacks and 5 ints.

Owen Obasuyi, DT, 6-4, 308, Hampton (5.17 40, 20 reps, 7.83 3 cone).

2017 stats: 45 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 FF.

Matt Oplinger, LB, 6-2, 250, Yale (4.7 40, 25 reps, 7.40 3 cone)

Finalist for Buck Buchannon Award. Walter Camp All-American. Led Yale with 14.5 TFL and 11.5 sacks.