The Arizona Cardinals selected two edge defenders in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft. Cameron Thomas and Myjai Sanders hopefully can impact the pass rush this season as rookies, aiding in making up for the loss of Chandler Jones, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.
Thomas was the higher pick, selected 87th overall, and had the better production in college, but it is Sanders, drafted 100th overall, who appears to have the early edge in development.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph was asked about the pair of rookies Saturday.
“Myjai right now is playing really fast and you can see his natural pass-rush ability,” he said. “He’s going to help us rush the passer on sub downs for sure. Cam right now is trying to figure out how to play with his power and grow in that area.”
Sanders appears to already have a spot in certain packages, while Thomas still needs some work.
Thomas played only one season on the edge at San Diego State but never played standing up, which Arizona’s outside linebackers often do.
Joseph doesn’t think that Thomas is behind. He just is making more adjustments.
Both should have roles in 2022 as rookies.
“They both should help us win this year in certain packages,” he said.
Both will be players to watch in camp and especially in the preseason to see how much impact they can make.
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