Cardinals Cover 2

Ep. 912 - As training camp wraps up, it's clear - and clear to everyone, locally sure but nationally especially - the pieces, meaning the players, are in place to have a successful season in 2025. For one last time, Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman are at #CardsCamp. And what a way to finish. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport joins the show. The guys get his thoughts on Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon going into Year3, Kyler Murray going into Year 7, the addition of Josh Sweat plus where Ian sees the Cardinals' place within the NFC West. Also, Craig and Zach give their big takeaways, and perhaps some key questions answered, after two weeks at State Farm Stadium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 911 - If two is good, then three has to be better, right? The three-safety look has been seen more times than not during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Will it be seen in the regular season? Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss why defensive coordinator Nick Rallis likes Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson and Rabbit Taylor-Demerson on the field at the same time and why maybe Rabbit has forced Rallis' hand based on how he played last season. Plus, Craig and Zach agree with Jonathan Gannon's new approach to the preseason, meaning the starters will play; and what or who stood out in what was the final open practice – a padded practice, by the way – of #CardsCamp on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 910 - The quarterback. The wide receivers. The running backs. The offensive line. Plus, the play caller. They're all back. And that's a good thing, according to Gilberto Manzano, NFL staff writer for Sports Illustrated and The MMQB. Manzano joined both Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman during his visit to #CardsCamp late last week. The guys get Manzano's thoughts about Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and the Drew Petzing-coached offense; the additions made to the defense, signing Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell plus drafting Walter Nolen III and Will Johnson; and where he sees the Cardinals positioned within “a tough to predict” NFC West. Before the conversation begins, though, Craig and Zach look ahead to Saturday's preseason opener.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 909 - Great atmosphere on Saturday. The annual Red & White Practice at #CardsCamp attracted a record turnout at State Farm Stadium. Fans are definitely excited about the 2025 Arizona Cardinals. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman go over some of the highlights; which players stood out during what was a second straight padded practice and the fourth one this week. Also, the guys provide updates to injured wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson - spoiler alert: it's all good news - plus they react to James Conner's comments post-practice about him and fellow running back Trey Benson; Conner believes, and without hesitation, the two are both ‘RB1' in this offense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 908 - Nothing has been decided yet – players are still competing for their roles as Jonathan Gannon likes to say – but it would appear a frontrunner has emerged for who will be the team's third wide receiver. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck explain why they believe it's Zay Jones, the veteran who didn't have a productive 2024 but was brought back this season. And it's not just Jones who has caught people's attention. Craig and Dani discuss the play of second-year offensive lineman Isaiah Adams. (Yes, Dani was right, and Craig was wrong.) Plus, everything the Bird Gang needs to know about Friday's padded practice, including updates on Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 907 - Last season Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson, more times than not, played 100-percent of the defensive snaps. Could Garrett Williams join that club in 2025? Maybe. At least that's what Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss after hearing what Jonathan Gannon said on Thursday and what the guys have seen thus far in training camp. Williams just might be too good to come off the field. Also talked about: pre-snap motion, how much of that will we see this season; no Marvin Harrison Jr. on the field, but no one panic; the importance of special teams, including why Michael Wilson is field punts during practice; and this time next year, will the Cardinals be playing in the Hall of Fame Game?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 906 - The best tight end in the game. That's Trey McBride, right? Yes, says Jourdan Rodrigue, Senior NFL writer for The Athletic. Jourdan has been on the show several times, this time it's during her visit to #CardsCamp. She joined both Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman to explain why she feels the way she feels about Trey, the Cardinals tight end room overall plus she gives her thoughts on what she saw and heard while at training camp as well as her outlook on the NFC West. Before the conversation begins, though, Craig and Zach look back at Tuesday's padded practice, the second of back-to-back days in pads, which was a first since Jonathan Gannon has been the head coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 905 - The pads popped, and they popped a lot on Monday. It was definitely a different sounding and a different looking training camp practice at State Farm Stadium. And by all accounts, including quarterback Kyler Murray, the defense won the day. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what they saw; from 1-on-1s between the wide receivers and defensive backs, offensive linemen versus defensive linemen - that's always a must watch - to 11-on-11 work, seeing Mack Wilson Sr. (continue to) make plays, six defensive backs on the field, and is that Zaven Collins playing inside linebacker? Also, Craig and Paul react to the announcement of former Cardinals center A.Q. Shipley being named the team's new radio analyst.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 904 - Ask head coach Jonathan Gannon about expectations for the upcoming season or what a successful year looks like and he answers that he's process driven, emphasizing how his team just has to improve daily. The expectations, though, for 2025 are real. And not just locally. Nationally as well. Omar Ruiz of the NFL Network joined Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck following Sunday's training camp practice at State Farm Stadium. Among the topics discussed were the Kyler Murray-Marvin Harrison Jr. connection, a much-improved defense – at least on paper – and where the Cardinals are positioned within the rest of the NFC West. Also, Craig and Dani discuss the season-ending knee injury for Starling Thomas; what it means for him and what it means for the team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 903 - There's been a lot of talk about the Year 2 jump for Marvin Harrison Jr., but what about Trey Benson? A third-round pick, and the second running back taken off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft, Benson spoke confidently about the upcoming season following Friday's training camp practice at State Farm Stadium. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what Benson might bring to the offense and the running back room overall. Also, the guys continue to see Mack Wilson Sr. flash all over the field during #CardsCamp; they detail updated weights for a handful of players, many of whom play along the line of scrimmage; and yes, there is news about Paul's mustache.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 902 - One of the bigger questions heading into training camp has been answered. And answered by the man himself. Following Thursday's practice, the first open practice of #CardsCamp, Mack Wilson Sr. confirmed he'll be calling the defense this season. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss Wilson's new role, new responsibilities and what it may mean for the rest of the defense. First though, Craig and Dani detail a very scary moment when defenders J.J. Russell and Kitan Crawford collided trying to break up a pass. Russell had to be carted off the field and was sent to a local hospital for further testing and continued evaluation according to the team. Practice ended early.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 901 - Players, coaches; everyone has reported to training camp. As have Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman. The guys discuss all the goings on from Day 1 of #CardsCamp at State Farm Stadium. There's the good: a bulked-up Marvin Harrison Jr. sounding more confident than he was a year ago at this time, Trey McBride landing on the NFL Top 100 list, and Jonathan Gannon excited about the competition at a number of different spots. But the guys start with the bad, the unfortunate news that three players – Bilal Nichols, BJ Ojulari, and Walter Nolen III – will not be on the field, at least not quite yet. Nichols and Ojulari are still rehabbing injuries from last season. Nolen's injury, meanwhile, is a new one that hopefully doesn't cost him a lot of time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 900 - After an eventful offseason, the Arizona Cardinals will report to State Farm Stadium for training camp this week. Dani Sureck and Zach Gershman discuss which position battles they will have their eyes on once practices begin out in Glendale. Plus, the two talk about Garrett Williams taking more of a leadership role in a young cornerback room; is the right guard position Isaiah Adams' job to lose; how many defensive linemen will make the final 53-man roster; and how will the wide receiver room take shape behind Marvin Harrison Jr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 899 - They may be the one team in the division with the least amount of question marks - at least as we speak right now. They are the Los Angeles Rams. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman continue their annual offseason tradition of looking around the rest of the NFC West. Final stop: Los Angeles. Craig and Zach are joined by TheRams.com senior staff writer Stu Jackson. Among the topics the guys discuss: the addition of wide receiver Davante Adams and what his presence means for an offense led by quarterback Matthew Stafford and anchored by running back Kyren Williams. Meanwhile on defense, a handful of young players have helped fill the void left by Aaron Donald.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 898 - Yes, Brock Purdy remains the quarterback. Christian McCaffrey – healthy, by the way – is firmly entrenched at running back, and George Kittle is, well, George Kittle. Still, there will be a lot of new faces on the San Francisco 49ers in 2025. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman continue their annual offseason tradition of looking around the rest of the NFC West. Next stop: San Francisco. Craig and Zach are joined by Matt Barrows, who covers the 49ers for The Athletic. Among the topics the guys discuss: the overhaul of the defense, starting with its coordinator and remodeled D-line (sound familiar, Bird Gang?) Also, the wide receiver room is “a concern” and why it was important to lock up Purdy, Kittle and Fred Warner to long-term contract extensions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 897 - Last year, the Seahawks made a coaching change. This offseason, they've shaken things up even more—bringing in a new quarterback and wide receivers. In short, the 2025 Seattle Seahawks will look quite different. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman kick off their annual offseason tour around the NFC West, starting with Seattle. They're joined by Seahawks.com senior reporter John Boyle to break it all down. Topics include the arrival of quarterback Sam Darnold, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak—and what their presence means for an offense that still features its top two running backs. On defense, Seattle returns 10 of 11 starters, including Cardinals nemesis Leonard Williams, and has added veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence. The trio also looks at which of the Seahawks' 11 draft picks could make an immediate impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 896 - If you're wondering how Trey McBride is spending his summer break, then you might want to check out Nashville. He, along with teammates Elijah Higgins and Tip Reiman, is at TE University, a week-long event that brings together tight ends from around the league. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss the value of TEU, as well as the Sack Summit in Las Vegas, where Calais Campbell, BJ Ojulari and Darius Robinson are joined by the game's top pass rushers. This is how players, despite being away from their respective teams, get ready for training camp. Also, have you checked out this week's Mailbag on azcardinals.com? Dani answered your questions – and explained her answers on the show – about Kyler Murray, the offensive line, and what might the final 53-man roster look like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 895 - Given all the defensive additions, whether via free agency or the draft, it's hard not to list the Arizona Cardinals among the most improved teams from last season. At least on paper. And here in June. What happens between now and when the season begins in September is anyone's guess. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi – who thankfully made it to work after replacing a dead car battery – discuss where the team has improved the most; who among the second-year players they're expecting the most improvement; why they aren't surprised Will Johnson is predicted by some to make the all-rookie team; and why Jonathan Gannon said he wants more ‘friction' in training camp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 894 - Is it possible? Of course. Is it realistic? Good question. The Cardinals do like to run the ball, and if they can play from ahead more times than not, then Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman see no reason why to disagree with Trey Benson's outlook on the season ahead for him and James Conner. Plus, Craig and Zach see plenty of benefits of having two starting-caliber running backs. Also part of Wednesday's show, how former high school teammates Jordan Burch and Xavier Thomas are once again helping one another both on and off the field. And speaking of off the field, players spent a lot of time together away from the facility in the offseason. Will that matter in the regular season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 893 - Seven weeks. From the start of the offseason strength and conditioning program to the final day of minicamp. Whether it was on the field or in a press conference setting, what were the top takeaways? Craig Grialou and Darren Urban - before Darren goes on vacation - discuss what stood out to them; a lot of talk about the offense, counting on wide receiver as is, adding extra ‘sauce' as Trey McBride explained the pre-snap motion that has been worked into the scheme. Defensively, youth is really served at cornerback after the season-ending injury to Sean Murphy-Bunting, and why not, especially given the amount of draft capital invested in the position. Also, there are no worries that Will Johnson has yet to sign his first NFL contract.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 892 - There's no question Josh Sweat can get after opposing quarterbacks. It's why he was targeted in free agency and ultimately landed a sizable contract to leave the east coast for the desert southwest. But that's not all he can do, or will be asked to do with the Arizona Cardinals. Sweat is a three-down linebacker. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what that means within the defensive scheme, Sweat reuniting with Jonathan Gannon and Nick Rallis plus how Sweat is embracing his role as being the guy on defense. Also, what is the latest on injured outside linebacker BJ Ojulari and what wide receiver Greg Dortch said on Wednesday that had many taken aback, including Craig.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 891 - More points. Less turnovers. Of course, that's the easy answer. But what else might ‘efficient' look like, and, by the way, that's the word Jonathan Gannon used when talking about the offense going into this upcoming season. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck have their own thoughts on what to expect from an offense that is running it back from a year ago, at least in terms of personnel. Also, on the eve of mandatory minicamp, what, and maybe better said, who do Craig and Dani want to see on the field? Will there be anything shown over the next three days that give hints as to what the 2025 Arizona Cardinals might look like both offensively and defensively? This is the final week of work before the start of training camp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 890 - His individual numbers may not jump off the stat page, but Zaven Collins brings more than just numbers to the defense. He brings versatility. More importantly, he's earned the trust of both head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. They see value in Collins more so than perhaps fans and many in the media. Craig Grialou, back from vacation, and Darren Urban discuss Collins' importance to the team. Also, how often do Craig and Darren expect to see Josh Sweat on the field this season, especially given recent comments by Rallis? Finally, the guys shout-out Dennis Gardeck, who after seven seasons in Arizona is reportedly joining the Jacksonville Jaguars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 889 - The Cardinals will be back out on the practice field this week as Week Two of OTA's are set to begin. What do we want to see? What are we expecting to see? Dani Sureck and Zach Gershman give their thoughts. Plus, the two discuss the depth at offensive line and how the starting line might look come Week 1; what offensive coordinator Drew Petzing had to say about Kyler Murray's unscheduled runs; and how the Cardinals offense is poised to take the next step in 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 888 - As OTAs continue to roll along for the Cardinals, the conversation surrounding the team's depth continues to be discussed. Zach Gershman and Darren Urban (yes, you read that correctly) talk about the latest on Cardinals Cover 2. With the arrival of Jacoby Brissett, what does that mean for Clayton Tune in the backup quarterback competition? Can Trey Benson take that sophomore season leap even while James Conner plays at a high level? Also, Zach and Darren share which player from the 2024 draft class they are most eager to see take a step forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 887 - The Cardinals are back on the field as Phase Three begins with the start of OTAs. Paul Calvisi, Dani Sureck and Zach Gershman fill the shoes of the vacationing Craig Grialou to discuss what stood out to them the most from the first practice; what a Year 1 to Year 2 jump can look like for Darius Robinson; the new look defensive line as a whole; who will challenge for the starting right guard position; Drew Petzing's thoughts on the continuity of his offense; and Paul learns what epsom salts are.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 886 - It's called Phase 3, when teams can line up offense against defense. Still no contact but practice looks more like football. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck preview the start of organized team activities, better known as OTAs for short. How much do we see of the newcomers, whether that's Josh Sweat or Walter Nolen III and Will Johnson? What about those players who we didn't see a lot of in 2024 like BJ Ojulari, Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols? Do we get an idea of who the team likes at right guard? Is there a wide receiver who emerges? Also, Craig and Dani discuss the Cardinals and Broncos holding a single joint practice ahead of their preseason game in Denver and the latest from the Spring League Meeting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 885 - A new look Marvin Harrison Jr. met the media on Monday. He “added some muscle” he told reporters. And there was a very specific reason why. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what Harrison had to say; why it was important for him to get stronger, how he's treating his first full offseason, what a successful Year 2 looks like for him, and in Year 2 it'll be good for him to see his No. 18 jersey in the stands. Also, some notes on the just released schedule, specifically the end of the schedule when compared to the rest of the NFC West and what NFL owners are discussing, perhaps even deciding, at the Spring League Meeting later this week in Minnesota.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 884 - And now we know the when. The Arizona Cardinals schedule is out. It was released with much fanfare – more on that later. The who and the where have been known for months and on Wednesday, we got the when. Craig Grialou, Dani Sureck and Paul Calvisi dive into the 18-week, 17-game schedule. What do they like? What do they not like? How many primetime games did the Cardinals get? When is the bye week? And how many ‘revenge' games are there? (Yes, Paul is keeping track.) Now, about the fanfare. “Rocketship,” aka inside linebacker Mack Wilson Sr., rapped the schedule. That's right, rapped. To hear the song and to see the video, visit the Cardinals YouTube page or download the audio by searching Arizona Cardinals Music on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 883 - Rookies. Veterans. The entire team is together for the first time. That's what Monday signaled, the next step in the offseason. (By the way, shout-out GM Monti Ossenfort, the architect of said team; he delivered the commencement address at his alma mater on Saturday.) After giving Monti his due, Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss rookie minicamp; why Hayden Conner may be an early candidate for Paul's breakout player of camp; wonder if a move is needed in the wide receiver room; and then look ahead to Wednesday's schedule release. The Cardinals are playing the NFC South, AFC South and third place teams from the NFC North (Packers), NFC East (Cowboys) and AFC North (Bengals).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 882 - It's been a busy two days for Jordan Burch. He, and the other rookies, arrived Thursday. Then Friday the seven-player draft class and six undrafted free agents gathered on the practice field for the start of rookie minicamp. In addition, Burch added a stop in the radio studio to speak with Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck about his time at Oregon, expectations for Year 1 with the Cardinals, learning the playbook, first impressions of the coaching staff, reuniting with high school teammate Xavier Thomas and the differences he sees between putting his hand in the dirt versus standing up on the edge. Also, Craig and Dani discuss what they saw while they were allowed to watch the rookies practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 881 - Two weeks after they heard their names selected, the Arizona Cardinals' seven-player draft class arrives at the Dignity Health Training Center on Thursday. Ahead of rookie minicamp, which also will include a half dozen undrafted free agents and a handful of tryout players, Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss who they are most looking forward to seeing on the field. Obviously, first-round defensive lineman Walter Nolen III is a given. And then there's cornerback Will Johnson, how does he carry himself? What about outside linebacker Jordan Burch, does he look the part? Does linebacker Cody Simon command the field? And what about the undrafted rookies, might one or more impress?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 880 - Six free agents. Six draft picks. In just two months, the Arizona Cardinals have added 12 new players to the defense. And now, it's up to Nick Rallis to figure out how they all fit together. While he does that - and he's got four months before the season starts - Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi have a way-too-early conversation about the defense. What will it look like? Might there be a scheme change or adjustment based on the new personnel? How do draft picks Walter Nolen III, Will Johnson and Jordan Burch factor in? Also, can Ohio State teammates Cody Simon and Denzel Burke, a pair of Day 3 selections, make enough of an impression in the offseason to have a role, or maybe even start, in Week 1?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 879 - To players, to fans; yes, numbers matter. Specifically, jersey numbers. On Wednesday, the Cardinals' seven-player draft class received their first jersey numbers. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what numbers stood out, like Cody Simon being issued No. 50; does this mean he'll be in the middle of the defense as an inside linebacker? And how cool is it that Will Johnson will wear ‘0' as an outside cornerback? There are other numbers to mention; Calais Campbell (93) and Dalvin Tomlinson (94) will continue to sport the digits they've worn their entire pro careers; Josh Sweat (10) and Baron Browning (5) are changing their numbers; while Jacoby Brissett (7) will wear a familiar number to Cardinals fans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 878 - The grades are in. So, how do the experts feel GM Monti Ossenfort did with his selections in the 2025 NFL Draft? Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss some of what has been written since the end of the draft on Saturday. A lot of the words written has focused on the Cardinals' first three picks: DT Walter Nolen III, CB Will Johnson, and Edge Jordan Burch. In total, Ossenfort made seven picks, six on the defensive side of the ball, which, depending on what you read, received either an ‘A' or ‘B' grade. Also, Craig and Zach go over the six rookie free agents signed on Monday. Three of the six were offensive lineman, including Josh Fryar out of Ohio State, where his position coach was current Cardinals offensive line coach Justin Frye.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 877 - Four picks on Saturday. Seven picks overall. Nearly every pick, six, went towards the defensive side of the ball. Yes, the real winner of the 2025 NFL Draft is defensive coordinator Nick Rallis; so many new toys to play with, and don't forget about all the defensive additions in free agency. Craig Grialou, Dani Sureck and Paul Calvisi – it's another Cover 3 edition – talk about the most recent selections: Ohio State inside linebacker Cody Simon (fourth round, 115th overall), Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward (fifth round, 174th overall), Texas offensive lineman Hayden Conner (sixth round, 211th overall), and Nevada safety Kitan Crawford (seventh round, 225th overall). Also, the three discuss what GM Monti Ossenfort and assistant GM Dave Sears had to say about the seven-player draft class.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 876 – On Friday, the Cardinals doubled down on defense in the 2025 NFL Draft. Again, are we surprised? OK, maybe a little, but defense has been the team's MO all offseason. Craig Grialou, Dani Sureck and Paul Calvisi – call it Cover 3 – talk about the selections of Michigan cornerback Will Johnson (second round, 47th overall pick) and Oregon Edge rusher Jordan Burch (third round, 78th overall pick). For those keeping track, that's three defensive players in the first three rounds. Also, what did GM Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon have to say about Johnson and Burch, why they were the picks; why Monti didn't decide to trade down despite offers; and JG explains why Walter Nolen III is already off to a great start.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 875 – As Paul Calvisi likes to say, players know players. So, why don't we get a players' perspective on Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen III. And it makes sense to hear from a defensive player, right? Well, for the first time in this show's history, Adrian Wilson stops by. That's right, Cardinals legend and Ring of Honor member Adrian Wilson joins Calvisi and Craig Grialou. Exactly what are the Cardinals getting in Nolen, who was the 16th pick on night one of the 2025 NFL Draft? What type of player is the 6-foot-4, 296-pound defensive lineman? How will Nolen benefit from a loaded d-line room and veterans like Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson? A-Dub answers all that and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 874 – Why was Walter Nolen III the selection with the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft? In a word, disruptive. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman are back to further discuss the defensive tackle out of Ole Miss. First, they are joined by former Cardinals linebacker Rob Fredrickson; why he likes the addition, what it means for the defense. Later, Craig and Zach are joined by Dani Sureck; call it Cover 3 for the rest of the show. Dani gives her thoughts on Nolen; why the pick made so much sense, how Nolen fits inside a crowded defensive line room. Also, Dani shares her conversations with GM Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon; both of whom she spoke with immediately after Nolen was announced as the pick by the Commissioner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 873 - With the 16th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select: Walter Nolen III, defensive tackle, Ole Miss. Really not a surprise. The Cardinals have prioritized defense for much of the offseason, starting with free agency and again here with their first-round pick. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman react in real time just moments after Nolen was selected and held a conference call with local reporters. The guys explain why they like the pick; what Nolen had to say about joining the Cardinals; what some of the draft analysts thought about Nolen heading into the draft; and what this now means for what is a very loaded defensive line room, which is not a bad thing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 872 - Everyone is familiar with the Swedish rock band Europe, right? No? Well, everyone is - or should be - familiar with “The Final Countdown,” their one and only hit song. Heck, even Zach Gershman knows the music; and after humming a few bars, he and Craig Grialou have one final conversation about the 2025 NFL Draft. What do the latest mock drafts say? Who's been mocked to the Cardinals at 16 the most? Plus, the two give their own thoughts on what direction they think the team should go in the first round. Also, players are back in the building; the offseason strength and conditioning program is underway. And on Day 1, we heard from Paris Johnson Jr., Michael Wilson and Garrett Williams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 871 - Three days, Bird Gang. Three days until the start of the 2025 NFL Draft. It's been a long wait, and now that wait is just about over. So, what's the latest buzz? What is the latest talk, not only league-wide but focused on the Arizona Cardinals? Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what they've heard, what they've read; what positions make the most sense with the 16th overall pick. Also, the two examine the list of draft prospects brought in for 30 visits, what possibly can be learned from those reported trips to the team's facility; and might the Cardinals have a coaching staff advantage when it comes to evaluating draft prospects. First though, Craig and Paul light the Dortch; they talk about Greg Dortch signing his one-year tender.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 870 – It's become an annual spring tradition: the pre-draft press conference. GMs, and often head coaches, meet with the media and answer questions ahead of the NFL Draft. A lot of words are spoken, but not a lot is said. To put it another way, no one is going to tip their hand or show their cards. Everything is kept very close to the vest. (Have we used enough idioms?!) Still, that doesn't stop people, including Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck, from trying to read between the lines. Will Monti Ossenfort stick-and-pick at 16? Trade down? Trade up? All options appear to be on the table. All positions, or most positions, seem to be on the table with that first-round selection regardless of what the team has done in free agency. In other words, stay tuned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.