RSS Cards Team Notes

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals to host Mike LaFleur for a second interview

Things are ramping up for the Arizona Cardinals in their search for the next new head coach, as they have been three weeks without one since they fired Jonathan Gannon.

They had Anthony Weaver in for a second interview, but today it was announced that Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur will be coming in for a second interview as well.

This one, could stretch over a couple of days per Ian Rapoport.

#Rams OC Mike LaFleur is scheduled to meet with the #AZCardinals for a second, in-person interview today and tomorrow, sources say. An intriguing candidate. pic.twitter.com/gYJVWWsQ1O

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 26, 2026

LaFleur has been the offensive coordinator for the Rams for the last three seasons and was the New York Jets offensive coordinator for two seasons prior to that.

He is only 38-years old and has two top 10 offenses under his belt already, including having the top offense in points and yards per game this year with the Rams.

LaFleur had a great showing yesterday in the Rams loss to the Seahawks, where his offense put up 479 yards and 27 points against the best defense in the NFL.

Now the question is, how would he fill out his staff, and would he be the playcaller for the Cardinals if he got the job?

Would hiring LaFleur excite you?

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...s-to-host-mike-lafleur-for-a-second-interview

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Ron Rivera has in person interview with the Arizona Cardinals for head coaching vacancy

Well, this could be an interesting twist for the Arizona Cardinals head coaching search.

Dianna Russini apparently had an in person interview with the Arizona Cardinals for their vacant head coaching position.

This flew under the radar!

The Arizona Cardinals interviewed former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera in person for their head coaching vacancy, per source.

Rivera currently serves as the general manager for Cal football.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 27, 2026

I think this is a case where all of us as fans are wondering two things:

1. Is this real?
2. Could this be as a potential defensive coordinator?

For the Cardinals, Rivera is a longtime NFL head coach, with 13 years as a coach nine as the head coach for the Carolina Panthers and four unremarkable years as the Washington Commanders head coach.

He has a 102-103-2 record as a head coach, but was 26-40-1 as the Commanders head coach and his defense was either top 10 in the league or the worst in the NFL his last four seasons.

He has a long history of coaching, and maybe he would be able to stable the ship that is the Arizona Cardinals.

What are the thoughts on that?

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...e-arizona-cardinals-for-head-coaching-vacancy

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

2026 Panini Senior Bowl: Tuesday Diary

Future Cardinals RB David Johnson of Northern Iowa (7) at the 2015 Senior Bowl

The Panini Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, offers something that most college All-Star games do not have.

For one, the entire coaching staffs of both squads are current NFL coaches. Another aspect is that the entire practice week is attended by approximately 900 scouts and coaches from the NFL, CFL, and UFL. In addition, there are credentials issued to several indoor football league teams.

RELATED: CARDINALS MOCK DRAFT

About 1,100 full media members are in attendance for the practice week. Every aspect of practices, the game, equipment, and uniforms resembles an NFL contest with strict adherence to NFL rules. The entire week is like an NFL convention. Every NFL head coach, GM, and player personnel director from every club is in Mobile for the week. And even an owner or two.

Iron sharpens iron. #TheDraftStartsInMobile pic.twitter.com/3OleZb5Vi2

— Panini Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 27, 2026

And lastly, the Senior Bowl doesn’t just invite a bunch of college players for a single game. They invite most of the best players in the nation to compete. Which means, if a receiver can go up against some of the best defensive backs from this year’s college ranks, then his draft stock will rise.

A great week of practice at the Senior Bowl will elevate a player’s draft stock from one good week. It’s just that simple. So, blue-chip players come and play, work hard, and play harder for the opportunity to shine in front of most of the NFL.

This year’s Senior Bowl has a new sponsor, Panini America, makers of sports and non-sports trading cards.

The game will air live on NFL Network, Saturday, January 31, 2026, with kickoff at 2:30 p.m. (Eastern). It is played at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama. It can be heard on Sirius XM and FOX Sports radio channels locally in most markets.

LINK: SENIORBOWL.COM

Two squads are divided up into National and American, another NFL tradition. To see this year’s rosters, click the above link, then select the “Game” tab, then “Game Roster.”

In addition, both practices are being broadcast live for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday sessions on NFL Network beginning around 2:00 p.m. (Eastern). These are the padded drills. Fridays are just helmet and cleats walk-throughs.

Every year, half of the first round and half of the second round have played in the Senior Bowl. It is rare for a player projected in the Top-15 to appear because a bad week of practice will most likely drop his draft status, but on occasion, this does happen.

QB Baker Mayfield was chosen first overall in 2018 and played in that year’s game. Another QB, Justin Herbert, was the MVP of the 2020 contest. EDGE rusher Von Miller was projected to go around the 15th pick, had a great Senior Bowl week in 2011, and was then taken second overall by the Denver Broncos.

The game has been a hotbed for future NFL superstars and Hall of Fame members such as Dan Marino, Joe Namath, Mean Joe Green, Walter Payton, Jerry Kramer, Sam Huff, Franco Harris, Bo Jackson, Brett Favre, Doak Walker, Puka Nacua, Michael Strahan, Clay Matthews, Jaxson Dart, Cooper Cupp, Brian Urlacher, Curtis Martin, Ray Nitschke, Lynn Swann, Ozzie Newsome, and Philip Rivers, to name a few.

In last year’s game, 10 players were taken in the first round who participated. A total of 110 picks from the draft played in the game, representing 43% of the entire draft process.

Each year, the game features six quarterbacks. Normally, half is well-known. This year’s game is highlighted by: Arkansas’ Taylen Green, Garrett Nussmeier from LSU, Baylor’s Sawyer Roberson, Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt, Cole Payton from D-2 2024 National Champion North Dakota State, and Luke Altmyer of Illinois.

The Senior Bowl is in full swing. Revenge of the Birds staff writer Barry Shuck is at the Senior Bowl this week, taking notes, watching position battles, and interviewing players who are in a position of need for the Cardinals.

In the 2024 Senior Bowl, the Cardinals drafted three players who participated in that contest: Darius Robinson, Max Melton, and Isaiah Adams.

———————————————————————————————————————————————

One position group the Cardinals will definitely draft a player, or two, is the offensive line. This year’s offensive tackle class is very strong, and there are some good offensive guards available as well in every round.

Here at the Senior Bowl, the talent is thick along the offensive line. One prospect that was on the watch list was OG Emmanuel Pregnon out of Oregon. He was unranked coming out of high school and has become a great prospect with a ranking of #26, which is perfect for Arizona’s second first-round pick. For some reason, Pregnon’s name was scratched from the week’s roster. Haven’t been able to find out what happened.

Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia measured out at 5’-9 7/8” tall and 198 pounds. He looks it too, in person. His college media guide states 6’-0”, 207. Auburn OT Jeremiah Wright weighed in at 340 pounds. They will have a hard time feeding him this week. He is ranked #273 while the draft only has 257 picks.

Great leverage + long arm pass rush rep here from Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker. He had some strong run defense reps as well. Good first day for him pic.twitter.com/1M4WxI8xJc

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 27, 2026

The defensive end group is outstanding here. Impressed with Iowa DE Max Llewellyn, although he is a bit lean, sitting at 255 pounds. Did well in the 1-on-1s against the offensive linemen. EDGE T.J. Parker of Clemson has a great first step and violent hands. He is ranked #29, close to where Arizona is picking in the top of the second-round. He has been consistent with getting separation. So far, he is the best defensive lineman.

Florida DL Caleb Banks 6’6 300 pounds with great quickness for size pic.twitter.com/kFKajpLIjn

— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) January 27, 2026

DT Lee Hunter from Texas Tech is a huge man at 320 pounds, and so far, nobody has been able to move him, so most offensive linemen just push and grunt, and as long as he doesn’t penetrate, they seem to accept this. Very strong man-child. Penn State DE Dani Dennis-Sutton had great bend off the edge. He did well in the running drills, so he’s a complete player. DT Caleb Banks from Florida looks really good and is a huge man, standing 6’-6” and a beefy 330. Natural power and a strong young man. Has an explosive get-off for such a big dude.

Minnesota DT Deven Eastern is projected as a Day 3 prospect, but is giving these guards and centers fits. He is showing he can shed blocks with surprising quickness. Looks like he needs to improve his hand technique and maybe refine his leverage. DE Vincent Anthony, Jr. of Duke has been a roller coaster. His inside moves aren’t working, but he does well around the outside. A bit on the light side at 246 pounds, but he has a very good get-off. Needs a more developed counter-move collection. Missouri DE Zion Young looks good on misdirection, and his hand-fighting techniques are effective. Ranked #52 so late second round. He is a solid player who can slide inside.

In the defensive backfield, CB Colton Hood from Tennessee had a great day. Was not beaten once in the 1-on-1s. His 4.43 speed was on full display today. Very sound technique with very good ball skills. Had the advantage of only guarding one receiver today, but was not fooled by shoulder dips and head bobs. Worked hard at contesting catch situations. Will be a late first-round pick and could reach into the teens.

As far as the running back room, I was impressed with Indiana RB Kaelon Black’s style. He is a productive back. He can dart to a hole as it opens up and decides pretty quickly. Has nice hands as well. Impressive jump-cut ability and is faster than you think. He just screams “big play threat” on every snap. Shifty moves by RB Kaytron Allen of Penn State in the 7-on-7s, and he could be a good find in the fourth round. Has shown good patience before hitting holes with his one-cut ability.

Gennings Dunker is a MAULER. pic.twitter.com/0pndiegEyM

— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) January 27, 2026

Iowa OT Gennings Dunker is absolutely dominant so far. He got reps at guard and looked very natural there despite playing 37 college games at right tackle with 34” arms. He is ranked #37 and would be a perfect second-round choice. Is showing good footwork and is a bit nasty. Iowa always breeds good offensive linemen, and Dunker looks like a good one already. His teammate, OG Beau Stephens, is having a rough time after getting plastered by Clemson DE Parker. So far, defenders have been overwhelming him.

Texas A&M OT Trey Zuhn needs more power and to get his feet planted better. He has been knocked down without squaring up. He is known for being an excellent pass blocker, though. OG Jalen Farmer from Kentucky looks pretty good, especially in the 7-on-7s. Versatility may be an issue, as he has always played on the right side. He may be a name to watch as he attacks nearly every rep with good determination.

Another good inside lineman who looked good was OG Keylan Rutledge of Georgia Tech, ranked #136. Wide body who can play both sides and took snaps at center for a spell. Versatility within the offensive line is a must. Exceptional arm length and was not bull rushed. Relentless effort from this kid, and he was a finisher. Right now, a fourth-rounder who should bounce up a round. Played all three interior lineman positions and finished with a pancake. OG Sam Hecht from Kansas State looked good at times and did a great job of remaining attached.

Last year’s QB room was all the rage with Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, Tyler Shough, and Dillon Gabriel. This year, all of the attention has been focused on LSU signalcaller Garrett Nussmeier. But who stole the show on the first day of practice was North Dakota State QB Cole Payton. He has a Day 3 ranking, but Dart last year was ranked in the fourth round and, after a stellar Senior Bowl week, was selected in Round 1. Payton can throw the ball. He is an excellent runner and showed quite a bit today, as well as the pocket collapsed numerous times. Very accurate with great mobility. Maybe he will crawl into the second round after this week.

Senior Bowl American Team Stock Up

• IOL Jake Slaughter, Florida
• WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State (Video*)
• WR Lewis Bond, Boston College
• WR Kevin Coleman, Missouri
• RB Kaelon Black, Indiana
• EDGE Derrick Moore, Michigan
• EDGE Keyron Crawford, Auburn
• EDGE Zion… pic.twitter.com/8mKm0of99K

— The Draft Lives Here (@draftlives_here) January 27, 2026

The receivers look good so far. WR Ted Hurst from Georgia State has great height (6’-3”) and runs very fluid routes. Has a ranking of #144, but can elevate that stock if he continues to do well here this week. Great speed (4.48) and worked the sidelines well. Good jump ball skills and caught one ball one-handed today. He looks very physical, too. WR Lewis Bond of Boston College had some good moments.

Another good player was WR Malachi Fields of Notre Dame. Again, great height (6’-4”) with exceptional catch point. Another physical guy who would fight through traffic jams and showed some understanding of leverage against the zone coverage he was facing. Missouri WR Kevin Coleman, Jr. had his ups and downs, but overall looked solid. Looks like a crafty slot guy. He fielded punts and did well on a day that had some wind shifts and was pretty breezy. Good body control with strong hands.

Small school. Big plays.

Welcome to the Senior Bowl @TyMontgomery_4 #TheDraftStartsInMobile pic.twitter.com/HcULkmv7cB

— Panini Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 27, 2026

Baylor WR Josh Cameron has soft hands and will find the soft spots in the zone. Not blazing speed, but gets the job done and doesn’t miss catches. He was a reliable target all day. Also liked WR Reggie Virgil of Texas Tech, who will fight for contested catches. Good ball tracking ability as well on several wild throws. Some good plays by WR Ty Montgomery of a small school, John Carroll.

If you haven’t heard of this player, write down his name: TE Tanner Koziol from Houston. For one, he is 6’-7”. For another, he is a great blocker. He is currently ranked a Day 3 player, but if he continues his excellence in practice, he may find Round 3 his new home. He has no issues with contested catches and has been using his frame for good separation. Nice route runner.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...n/87193/2026-panini-senior-bowl-tuesday-diary

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals head coaching search updates, news and rumors

As we stretch into day 23 of the Arizona Cardinals head coach search, the question becomes… What is going on?

It seemed like after the news of Anthony Campanile signing an extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars to remain their defensive coordinator, it seemed inevitable that it was going to be Mike LaFleur.

Today though, it seems as though the team wants to interview Klint Kubiak for a second time before making their decision.

The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly going to have a second interview with Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak later this week, per @TonyPauline

— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) January 28, 2026

So, what does that mean for LaFleur? Is he out, or is he just simply on the backburner while they discuss things with Klint Kubiak as well?

For the Arizona Cardinals, are they playing it smart, or are they just keeping all of their options open as they continue to search for the right piece?

It has been an interesting cycle, and the Arizona Cardinals are not really concerned with keeping the media or fans in the loop, which is their prerogative. Yet, the team account last posted on January 22nd, outside of a repost of a Waste Management Open post.

So, are we going to get any clarity soon? Doubtful, but for now we continue to just wait for national reporters to drop news about what is happening with the Arizona Cardinals, since we are seeing radio silence out of the team and local reporters.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/n...-head-coaching-search-updates-news-and-rumors

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

2026 Panini Senior Bowl: Wednesday Diary

The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl is in full swing amidst winter-like weather in Mobile, Alabama. Last year, the temps were in the upper 60s, and in full sun was shorts and flip-flop conditions. This year, although the daytime it is in the upper 40s, the wind chill has gotten into the 30s, but in sunny settings. Perfect football weather.

Players from all across the country are doing their best to impress the approximately 900 scouts and coaches, and about 1,500 full media. With the explosion of team podcasts, this event has really exploded.

RELATED: SENIOR BOWL DAY 1

Every NFL head coach and his staff are here. All GMs are here. Scores of scouts are front and center. Media credentials can also be seen from CFL and UFL reps.

Wednesday’s practice held several players who were impressive and some not so much. But the game has multiple practice sessions coached by current NFL coaches from various teams in which an athlete can improve and show their skillset.

National team going through drills early today. Full pads kicks up the intensity a notch #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/4GssEab5ew

— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) January 28, 2026

Revenge of the Birds staff writer Barry Shuck is at the Senior Bowl this week, taking notes and interviewing players. Keep in mind, the athletes he has his focus on are players that the Cardinals need position-wise and ranked close to where Arizona drafts in each round. Makes no sense to interview a guy that the Cards have no chance at getting.

————————————————————————————–

Quarterback​

The mystery man coming into the Senior Bowl was QB Cole Payton from North Dakota State. They captured the 2024 D-2 National Championship with Payton under center. He is also left-handed. Very accurate passer, and all the SEC and Big-10 guys aren’t scaring him off. Exceptional runner, and has shown that off numerous times. His throwing motion is three-quartered with a big wind-up prior to his release, which takes some time to get used to. Average footwork, and he doesn’t always step into his throws. I guess that can be taught. Definitely a developmental guy, but looks really good so far and has a cannon for an arm.

QB Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt seems to have one issue that everyone goes to: his size. Short and light don’t seem to work in the NFL, but he seems hell-bent on going to a team, and he has shown really good things in both practices. He can really play ball and has shown pocket presence instead of being timid. If a team wants a tall quarterback, then summon QB Taylen Green from Arkansas. He stands 6’-6” and is a beefy 229 pounds. Solid player. Explosive in the open field and super athletic. Easily throws the deep ball, but struggles with turnovers. He seems to have good downfield vision, and his arm strength is his superpower because he can sling it. Kinda an angler passer. Nice kid and was a leader at the college level.

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier is the real deal. Strong arm and accurate. Playing here at the Senior Bowl is his first re-introduction in a few months because of a late-season injury, but he was in total control of the offense. Killed it in the 7-on-7 drills. Nothing big about his size-wise, but he is very cool under pressure and has an impressive touch on layering passes. And he is effective when looking downfield when flushed. Good legs and natural arm talent. Will need a year to season, but he should start for somebody sooner rather than later.

Tight end​

Now that’s how you close out practice @NBoerkircher! #TheDraftStartsInMobile pic.twitter.com/7ZXU7rRzYW

— Panini Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 28, 2026

Texas A&M TE Nate Boerkircher (6’-4”, 250 pounds) was a late addition to the game and made several good catches in the 7-on-7s. Fourth-round grade. He has some functional size for the NFL. TE Sam Rouch (6’-5”, 259 pounds) of Stanford is a good route runner and known for his blocking abilities. Soft hands in drills and did well in sideline passing drills.

Offensive Line​

Dartmouth OT Delby Lemieux was also impressive. He looks lean for a tackle, but has bull strength. Played some center in practice, is 6’-5”, 305 pounds. Very physical player and allowed zero sacks this past season.

National team coaches repeatedly had to tell Georgia Tech OL Keylan Rutledge to stay up and tone down the physicality in team period. He took snaps at all 3 interior spots during that session and finished it with a nasty pancake.

Very impressive start to practice for him.

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) January 27, 2026

Georgia Tech OG Keylan Rutledge is blowing up with how good he looks. A lot of big guys look like tackles, but he looks the part of a guard with a low center of gravity and violent hands. This guy will be ready to start this year. Solid frame, exceptional arm length, and is able to redirect his defender in the 1-on-1s. He said he was a finisher, and he proved that over and over. He can play both guard spots and center. Solid third-round pick for a Day 1 starter.

What a rep by @Big8DMoore #TheDraftStartsInMobile pic.twitter.com/gWlCzAjOgX

— Panini Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 27, 2026

Miami OT Markel Bell is a very huge man (6’-9”, 340 pounds) and was a late addition to this game. He is also a guy who can be fooled and pushed aside easily. Not impressed. Was completely run over by Michigan DE Derrick Moore. May develop over time, but has foot issues and will need patience.

Love the aggressiveness of Florida C/OG Jake Slaughter in 1-on-1 drills against the D-Line. He sets up a good anchor and locks onto his defender rather easily. He did not transition very well when placed at guard, so center seems to be his future. Another center, James Brockermeyer of Miami, had one of the best one-on-one reps of the afternoon. He stonewalled South Carolina DT Nick Barrett and didn’t give up any ground despite being one of the smallest offensive linemen at 6’-3”, 297 pounds.

Auburn OL Jeremiah Wright vs Alabama DL LT Overton at the Senior Bowl:pic.twitter.com/nhyH98eUgG

— Taylor Korn (@TaylorKorn_) January 28, 2026

Other notable offensive linemen who sparked were RT Dametrious Crownover of Texas A&M, Boston College OT Jude Bowry, OG Jeremiah Wright of Auburn, and the best offensive lineman here this week, Iowa OG Gennings Dunker.

Wide Receivers​

Write this name down: Ted Hurst. He played for tiny Georgia State and is not a household name, but this dude catches everything thrown his way. Big guy (6′,3”) with nine-foot arms, it seemed at times, but has had a ton of buzz surrounding him. A lot of receivers will come from smaller schools like Jerry Rice, so no shocker here. Excellent route-running to boot. Second day impressive.

Senior Bowl National Team Stock Up (Day 2)

• LB Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
• OL Sam Hecht, Kansas State
• OL Delby Lemieux, Dartmouth
• WR Vinny Anthony, Wisconsin (Video*)
• WR Tyren Montgomery, John Caroll
• CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
• SAF Bud Clark, TCU
• LB Kaleb… pic.twitter.com/ReImrmtrrQ

— The Draft Lives Here (@draftlives_here) January 28, 2026

WR Vinny Anthony II of Wisconsin had a very good day. There is a Vincent Anthony in this game as well, but he plays DE for Duke. The receiver Anthony is a return man as well. LSU WR Aaron Anderson is short and light and perfect for the slot. 4.34 speed, and he knows how to shift into another gear when he needs it. Precision route running with natural hands. His college teammate, Baron Brown, had some good contested catches but then had foot issues with sideline routes. A minor coaching fix.

Tyren Montgomery has been one of the biggest winners of the Senior Bowl this week.

Here he is Mossing Chris Johnson, a projected top-50 pick.

John Carroll (D3) shown great separation this week too.
pic.twitter.com/wZDgrWqI9z

— Max Chadwick (@CFBMaxChadwick) January 28, 2026

Already discussed WR Tyren Montgomery of John Carroll, but the dude is a player and is catching everything despite being from a D-3 school. Everyone has been scrambling to find any kind of scouting on him. He has a good combination of elite athleticism and natural instincts. Is catching balls that aren’t thrown to be caught. Another impressive pass catcher is USC’s Kobe Lane. Very strong route-runner who acts like he knows he is going to get the ball, especially when the coverage is tight. This guy will cause problems for many a defensive back. Long reach and was very physical today.

#Baylor WR Josh Cameron has such strong hands at the catch point. Made a few nice catches through contact today

— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) January 28, 2026

Baylor WR Josh Cameron is very fluid and makes great cuts, but lacks the skill to make adjustments on poorly thrown balls. Knows what to do with the rock once he catches it, though, and extends the field vertically.Will be a serious deep threat.

Running backs​

Are the Cardinals thinking about a running back in the draft this year? If so, Indiana RB Kaelon Black has shown quite a bit this week so far, showing good balance and getting skinny to slip through small creases on the offensive line. Quick feet and lateral agility to jump cut and exchange gaps. Seems to be a willing blocker, as today was the first scrimmage in pads with live hitting. Threw to him quite a bit coming out of the backfield and has been open quite a bit with delayed routes.

Good run from Mike Washington RB Arkansas at #SeniorBowl @AtoZSportsNFL pic.twitter.com/p3ZMJmLs2T

— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) January 28, 2026

Impressive for two days has been RB Mike Washington, Jr. of Arkansas. Very muscular and hits the open hole quickly. High motor with top-end speed. He will hit defenders because of his good size (6’-2”, 235 pounds) and displays quick twitch/stop/start ability. Decides his hole and then scoots. He is really a brute.

Linebackers​

Pitt S Kyle Louis played college at safety, but they have him at linebacker here. And he is adjusting quite well, but only sitting at 224 pounds. He is already good in coverage and showed that with an interception running the rail with the tight end. He will hit anyone.

JACOB RODRIGUEZ (LB, TEXAS TECH) CAME TO RUIN QUARTERBACKS’ DAYS pic.twitter.com/xREGeqZ5HL

— Sam Bruchhaus (@sambruchhaus) January 28, 2026

The best linebacker here is LB Jacob Rodriquez from Texas Tech. Instincts are off the charts. His pursuit is sideline-to-sideline and has shown that he can shed blockers once he fills a gap. Natural timing and was all over the field in the 11-on-11s with great anticipation, being a former high school quarterback. Sure tackler with high production (128 tackles this year, 127 in 2024). Pair him with Carson Schwesinger and watch the fireworks.

Live from the #SeniorBowl practice

Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher FLATTENS Penn State RB Nick Singleton in the LB/RB pass pro drill.

An early tone setter for the National Team practice. pic.twitter.com/OM9kc7zWME

— The Draft Lives Here (@draftlives_here) January 27, 2026

BYU LB Jack Kelly was the dominant player in every one-on-one drill, especially with blocking tight ends. He has a great first burst despite his meaty 246-pound frame. LB Bryce Boettcher of Oregon is going to make a fine pro. He fought off most guards and will provide a huge tackling presence.

Defensive line​

DE Max Llewellyn of Iowawas equally impressive in the 3-technique and 5-technique. The defensive end can win to the outside with ease due to quickness, long physical arms, and legs. Michigan DE Derrick Moore is lean (254 pounds) but quick as well. Runs a 4.65. He has done an excellent job using his length and has an amazing physique. Relentless motor so far. Will become a great pickup in Round 3. On the surface, DT Zane Durrant of Penn State doesn’t look like an interior defensive lineman at 290 pounds, but he has quickness that really stood out. He wins with leverage and is all muscle.

Welcome home @The_Fridge7 #TheDraftStartsInMobile pic.twitter.com/2i56IIZX4F

— Panini Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 28, 2026

Most impressive was Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter for the second day in a row.In the one-on-ones, most drills he swished around his O-line counterpart. Is just a strong guy who will bull rush and has good consistency. He is clearly a special talent and stated that his best feature was run-stopping. Dominate in the 1-on-1s and 11-on-11s. Will go in the second round and be worth it. Another good middle player is DT Caleb Banks of Florida. Did well in drills against the offensive line because he is a massive guy at 330 pounds, but he surprised with a great first step, which has overwhelmed a few offensive guard prospects, but he has an injury history. Ranked #16 overall and will be a Day 1 starter.

Clemson DE T.J. Parker remains the best D-lineman here as discussed yesterday. He can be found at the bottom of Round 1 or at the top of the second-round, but is a baller. Good day of practice for EDGE Nadame Tucker of Western Michigan. Had 14 sacks this past season so he knows how to use his hands well and gets a great first step every time the ball is snapped. Lines up as a stand-up rusher and has an impressive number of wins. More pass rusher than run stopper, though.

Defensive backs​

CB Malik Muhammad of Texas looked great in the receiver/DB drills and was beaten only once. No size to him, though, as he is just 183 with a full backpack on. Quick as crap, though, like shot out of a gun quick. He seems to be able to sniff out passing plays and was seen cheating in that direction before the throw. Very aggressive. Not sure if he is a willing tackler.

Bud Clark is the underrated safety in this group. this is honestly a good class, even after Caleb Downs. It's not top heavy like the running back class. https://t.co/2MMWjMjVbK

— budrich (@budrich17) January 15, 2026

The most impressive performance of the day can be bestowed on S Bud Clark of TCU. He will likely be more of a deep back player and has good recovery speed and the ability to see how the play is unfolding. Sticky in man coverage, and shone in the 1-on-1s with a defensive back paired with a receiver. And has 4.48 speed for a center fielder, which is rare. Great acceleration and is known for being a solid tackler. Two-time Captain in college.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...87217/2026-panini-senior-bowl-wednesday-diary

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Senior Bowl interview: QB Diego Pavia

Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia had a great college career.

This past season, he threw for 3,539 yards and tossed 29 touchdowns, which led the SEC. His completion percentage was an amazing 70.6%. That also led the SEC. Yet, draft sites and scouts aren’t giving him any love regarding April’s NFL draft.

He is ranked #178. That is the very bottom of the fourth round.

RELATED: CARDINALS TO HOST MIKE LAFLEUR FOR SECOND INTERVIEW

Vanderbilt finished their 2025 season with a 10-3-0 record and one game out of first place in the conference with a 6-2-0 mark. But they couldn’t beat Texas and Alabama in critical conference play. However, they did thump their rival, Tennessee 45-24.

Pavia placed second in the Heisman Award balloting. He was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year and won the Unitas Golden Arm Award.

Yet, his Vanderbilt media guide states he is 6’-0” and weighs 207 pounds. Now a participant at the Panini Senior Bowl, the first bit of business is to weigh and measure players. And they measure almost everything. For Pavia? 5’-9 7/8” and 198 pounds. In person, he looks it.

One thing a great QB needs is the ability to see over his own offensive linemen and the height of the defensive line, trying to plant him into the turf.

Pavia took the difficult road to success. He and his three siblings were raised by a single mom who worked two jobs. He grew up in the desolate section of South Valley in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It wasn’t murder central, but it was up there per capita.

Revenge of the Birds staff writer Barry Shuck is at the Senior Bowl this week. He interviewed Pavia at this event as one of six quarterbacks in attendance.

QB Diego Pavia (5’-10”, 198 pounds)​

Vanderbilt​

Ranking: #178 (Round 5)​

—————————————————————————————————————————

Shuck: Starting out at the JUCO level, you led New Mexico Military Institute to the National Championship in 2021, then you headed to New Mexico State. What were your beginning stages like?

Pavia: Coming out of high school, I didn’t have any offers. Coach (Jerry) Kill took a chance on me. It was my first FBS offer, although Coach Prime gave me an offer to become the backup at Jackson State. In my first big college game, I didn’t play well but finished the season winning some games. The next year, we went 10-1. But when I hit the transfer portal, no one wanted me. Washington State and Nevada finally offered.

Shuck: How did you end up at Vanderbilt, which is an all-academics school?

Pavia: I had to go back to New Mexico State and take 21 credits in the spring and pass all of them in order to play in the fall. I had committed to Nevada, but Coach Kill called me from a vacation in Mexico and told me he was going to Vanderbilt and would be taking me with him. I am a loyal dude. He took a chance on me once, and so I had to take the opportunity.

Shuck: The NFL has this size/height stigma about quarterbacks. At Vandy, you played at a Heisman level. Why wouldn’t an NFL draft you and see what you can do on the field first?

Pavia: I can win wherever I go. Just give me a chance. I just want an opportunity. That’s just how I feel, deep inside. I’m a true competitor. At all costs, I’m going to beat you out. It’s a testament to wrestling.

Shuck: You are a very humble man. You finally get to winning at Vandy, and the accolades begin. How were you able to remain modest?

Pacia: I do yoga and grounding, and it would bring me back to earth. I would live on a high Saturday night and Sunday film study. So, on Monday, I would do yoga. After that, transition and reset.

Shuck: NFL teams are physical tool entities. What is your selling point to them, and what do you want to prove here at the Senior Bowl?

Pavia: What I can do is rally the troops, and let’s bang on Sunday. Us versus you, and see who’s better. And I have what it takes between the ears. I know when to check plays, I know what’s coming, I know pre-snap. I study a lot of film.

Shuck: You are known to be a confident guy. What’s your vision for what comes next?

Pavia: I think one thing, is all I can ask for is a fair opportunity. That’s all I want. I’m a competitor, and this is all I have ever dreamed of as a kid, playing football. Obviously, it’s going to be up to a GM or a head coach. I’m going to give it all I got and earn the respect of the people in the locker room.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/arizona-cardinals-draft/87235/senior-bowl-interview-qb-diego-pavia

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

2026 Panini Senior Bowl: Thursday Diary

Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American wide receiver Barion Brown (6) of LSU battle for a pass with American cornerback Collin Wright (6) of Stanford during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

At the Panini Senior Bowl, several things occur away from the field.

At the Mobile Convention Center in Mobile, Alabama, there is a ballroom that is completely sectioned off by teams. Instead, these temporary staging areas are front office folks from that particular NFL club.

RELATED: SENIOR BOWL WEDNESDAY PRACTICE DIARY

This allows teams the comfort, secrecy, and privacy to interview in the mornings between breakfast and practices, and then after practices have concluded, after dinner.

Interview who?

For one: Players. One-by-one, they come in, are asked tons of questions, and are asked to draw out situations of certain plays. The temporary “room” is about 30’ by 30’, and laid out in four “pods” deep, then another four pods across the temporary “hallway.” Coaches, scouts, GMs, player personnel folks, and whoever else the team wants in there. without a job.

For another, prospective coaches are interviewed. Notice how many coaching hires happen during Senior Bowl week. The reason is that everybody is in Mobile this one week at the same place at the same time in person. 10 teams fired their head coach this year. That means 10 coaching staff are looking for work and will be employed for the 2026 season.

They show up on their own dime in Mobile in generic track suits, interview for various coaching positions during the morning and evening, just like the college players, and then are hired because of the face-to-face meetings. Show up in a Nike running suit and leave fitted in NFL team attire and a new job. Newly-hired head coaches will often wait until the Senior Bowl to do their assistant coach hirings so that everyone with the team can do a sit-down and get everything voiced at the same meeting.

Thursday was the last padded practice, and there was a lot of heavy hitting and a focus on Red Zone drills. This is not like a regular team practice where players aren’t supposed to destroy their counterparts. This is jobs on the line, and every player here has to prove every moment that he is a preferred player and his draft stock should be greater than when he arrived.

QB Jaxson Dart had a fourth-round grade on him when he attended the Senior Bowl last year, then was taken in Round 1 after wowing everyone in attendance.

Friday is strictly walk-throughs in helmet and shorts, and special teams. It is a tradition for the final practice to have something unusual at the end of practice, and this time it was defensive and offensive linemen fielding punts. That was a hoot.

Then there are local activities such as a community service project, the Coca-Cola meet the players, and finally a Mardi Gras street party since the Senior Bowl goes on smack in the middle of Mardi Gras. Mobile is the home of the first Mardi Gras, so they celebrate hard and heavy with 14 different parades.

LT Overton, Tim Keenan, Rayshaun Benny, and Tyreak Sapp bending and finishing in individual position group drills at #SeniorBowl. @AtoZSportsNFL pic.twitter.com/xCDsUJrEdz

— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) January 28, 2026

The game is broadcast this Saturday on NFL Network with a kickoff at 2:30 (Eastern) if you get a chance to tune in. Players who performed the best during the week are declared the starters, but everyone plays at least a quarter. The announced starting quarterback usually plays the entire first half, then the other two will play a quarter each.

Revenge of the Birds staff writer Barry Shuck is at the Senior Bowl, taking note of which players have had a good week.

Defense​

Usually the offense gets listed first, but this week the defense at all positions has really shined so they deserve top billing. The defensive line as a whole dominated all week and was the story of the Senior Bowl.

In the defensive backfield, CB Chandler Rivers of Duke was exceptional today and had a great practice week. A bit undersized, but can fly. Has a third-round grade on him, but should bounce into Round 2 after this week. Great in the 1-on-1 drills with several batted passes and never got actually “beat.” Very tight in press with 4.45 speed. Reliable tackler, which is what a team needs. Good acceleration out of transitions. North Carolina CB Thaddeus Dixon looked really good as well. He was in lockdown mode today in the 1-on-1 drills with a great pick and is looking like an underrated player. Very quick and built like an outside corner. So far, he has shown a lot of physicality and is a bit of a ball hawk. Has displayed some versatility as well as handling multiple coverage responsibilities.

Bud Clark DB TCU with the deep INT! He is just unreal right now! #SeniorBowl @AtoZSportsNFL pic.twitter.com/CudtPnIoKa

— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) January 29, 2026

One of the leaders on defense was S Michael Taaffe from Texas. Very vocal player while on the field, including yelling instructions to his defensive backfield teammates. Will be a steal in Round 3. Quick trigger ball hawk. Want to improve special teams until he is ready for the starting defense? Select this guy. TCU S Bud Clark was the star of the defensive backfield this week. He is one of those stories that came in as a sixth-round grade and will leave going in Round 2 or 3 on draft day. His recognition of receiver routes is uncanny, and he has jumped, I don’t know how many routes in three days. Very aggressive and wants to hit somebody. Mature for his age and very coachable.

Kyle Louis for the THIRD TIME in 11s today! Just balling out at the #SeniorBowl! @AtoZSportsNFL pic.twitter.com/bi5MSYBteH

— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) January 29, 2026

Mentioned LB Kyle Louis of Pitt yesterday, who the coaches here have moved from safety to linebacker because he weighs 224 pounds. He has found his calling as he was flying all over the field today. Had an interception in the 1-on-1s. Known for this run defense, has a nose for the football and will hit. Exceptional coverage on the tight end. Fifth-round grade right now, but that will change. Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriquez is going to make some team very happy and is an exceptional tackler. Round 3 grade, but it will not surprise anyone to see him go second round. Take him early in Round 2, and thank me later with dinner. Led the nation in forced fumbles last year. It’s one of his talents with his patented punch. Four interceptions, so he knows how to tackle and take the ball away. Exceptional character.

Also mentioned EDGE LT Overton of Alabama on Tuesday, but the matter is that he has shown something every day. Solid Round 2 guy that will fill a need as an outside pass rusher with functional power. Nice kid as well. Good closing burst and is also a very good run defender. Jumped out in the team drills. Here is an under-the-radar guy: DE Quintavious Hutchins of Boston College. Get this: 6’2”, 229 pounds as an EDGE rusher. Yeah. And being smaller means you have to be fast, which he is. Had a good practice today, but did not show much all week. Day 3 or an undrafted guy.

From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork in Mobile: #Clemson edge TJ Parker joined the show to discuss his @seniorbowl experience. pic.twitter.com/DcB2nWGcIb

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 29, 2026

Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker has been a standout all week and is probably the best D-lineman in this game. Will be waiting at the bottom of Round 1 and maybe the early stages of Round 2. He possesses counters that have miffed some offensive tackles here. He uses his length well and has good upper-body strength. Good hand action, but he isn’t going to beat anyone to the ice cream truck. Oklahoma DT Gracen Halton has been the dominant interior force. If a run stopper is in order, Halton’s presence will instantly improve the roster. He is also a good pass rusher, an uncommon effect coming from the middle. An under-the-radar guy for the fourth-round.

Derrick Moore, EDGE Michigan talking through his #SeniorBowl dominance, run defense, strengths, and more! @AtoZSportsNFL pic.twitter.com/5qmNLUNGGJ

— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) January 29, 2026

EDGE Zion Young from Missouri was a menace all week. His change of direction is outstanding, and his hand play is very physical. I think he is the most polished EDGE guy in this game and is great in push situations in most drills. Don’t believe he will start right away, but will develop into a top pass rusher. Ranked bottom of the second round, but should now go at the top of Round 2 and perhaps the tail end of the first round. DE Derrick Moore of Michigan is going to be a great pick, graded in the third round, but expect him to go mid-second. Plays to the whistle with a relentless motor. Electric get-off is his superpower.

Offense​

QB Sawyer Roberson of Baylor was running the offense better than anyone today, on both rosters.His accuracy is simply amazing. He has great scrambling abilities as well, and his called run plays are fluid without any fear of gaining yardage, and he can dish out the punishment himself. His play in the 7-on-7 drills showed most defensive coverage guys how to spell “frustration” repeatedly. Round 5 grade will be developmental. Illinois QB Luke Altmyer has been impressive all week and is excellent in his pre-snap with checking out of plays, and has great velocity on his throws. He will place a ball where the receiver can get to it and will throw nice touch passes. Most consistent quarterback here.

Taylen Green QB Arkansas to Malachi Fields WR Notre Dame. This connection has been strong this week. #SeniorBowl @AtoZSportsNFL pic.twitter.com/7WpTxiIWuZ

— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) January 28, 2026

Arkansas QB Taylen Green is not a good passer, but he showed progress this week. He is 6’-6” and 229 pounds with 10” hands and 35” arm length, and is getting comparisons to Cam Newton as far as size, but Newton could throw and was accurate. Green is picking up on coaching and making better reads. What he does best is the mobility aspect. If the NFL doesn’t call about his QB skills, with his athleticism and running ability, he would make a great receiver.

LINK: SENIOR BOWL PLAYER MEASUREMENTS

Garrett Nussmeier buys himself some time again and finds Ted Hurst in 2-minute to wrap things up. #SeniorBowl @AtoZSportsNFL pic.twitter.com/vrYvILpptI

— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) January 29, 2026

QB Garrett Nussmeier from LSU is the most gifted QB here. Take him in Round 3, stash him for a season, allow him developmental time, and watch him suit up Week 1 in the 2027 season. Natural arm talent and doesn’t freak out when his pocket begins to collapse. Steady head and can throw a pretty ball on the run. Nice, accurate throws, and can fling it when called to do so. Coming off a horrible injury in college and wasn’t sure he would play in the Senior Bowl, but instead has shone with his skills, which don’t include an elite arm.

Another great play in a very solid week for Cincinnati WR Cyrus Allen!

@PaniniAmerica Senior Bowl Day 3, American Practice 3 pic.twitter.com/X84gBtxhXM

— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) January 29, 2026

Cincinnati WR Cyrus Allen will catch most balls and then drop a few, but is a consistent route runner and seems to work best in press coverage. Has good body control. Day 3 guy. Missouri WR Kevin Coleman finally showed something today, especially in the 1-on-1 drills. Very good change of direction with great feet. Is also a return man. Shifty player who looks like a slot guy. Physical guy with strong hands in traffic. Fifth round.

Notre Dame WR Malachi Fields continued his good week with a good practice, although he did drop a couple of passes. Probably the best receiver all week with great size (6’-4”) and runs great routes. Functional athleticism, and has a good transition after the catch into a runner. He does a great job selling his routes when he knows the ball is coming his way. And will take the deep route on occasion. Round 3 guy who could see the second round now. He is definitely in that second tier of receivers who will fall off the board. Baylor WR Josh Cameron has very strong hands and will fight any defensive back, but he has ball control issues.

WR Ty Montgomery from John Carroll has been the standout all week and continued to shine in all drills. He gave DBs fits with his shiftiness. He has great separation and is an exceptional route runner, which is his superpower because he sells every route, whether the ball is being thrown his way or not. He is very consistent with this aspect of his game. Every time you look up, Montgomery is making a play. Still, the best receiver all week has been WR Ben Hurst from tiny Georgia State. Fluid and smooth are the two words to use. Came in as a fourth-round prospect and will leave hearing his name called in Round 2. Playmaker at 6’-3”.

Syracuse TE Dan Villari finds the end zone and gets both feet down for the TD

@PaniniAmerica Senior Bowl Day 3, American Practice 3 pic.twitter.com/FFAOKlXEEF

— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) January 29, 2026

TE Dan Villari (6’-4”, 243 pounds) of Syracuse has been difficult to cover this week by any unlucky linebacker or safety. The former quarterback has a lot of versatility and has taken snaps in the Wildcat and lined up at fullback a play or two. Reliable receiving option with a high catch point. Plays very physically with high character.

RB Jadyn Ott of Oklahoma has great hands and is an excellent pass protector. Not afraid to take on a linebacker on a blitz. Arkansas RB Mike Washington had a great day as well. 4.45 speed, who seems to always be falling forward. Big dude with power, but when he hits the second level, he shifts into another gear, and he is off. Rated the eighth-best RB in this class. Kentucky RB Seth McGowan also had a great week and looks like a Day 3 pick.

Another Max Iheanachor takedown lol. pic.twitter.com/XHxDNs6Skp

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 29, 2026

Offensive linemen who had a great week are OT Max Iheanachor (6’-6”, 330 pounds) of Arizona State, OG Gennings Dunker (6’-5”, 316 pounds) from Iowa, and undersized OG Sam Hecht (6’-4”, 300 pounds) of Kansas State. All three barely lost any reps.

Iheanachor’s first practice, he appeared antsy and intimidated by the stiff competition here, but somebody must have reminded him that he was chosen for a reason. He has impressed more each day and not dominated, but has stood his own, especially in the 1-on-1 drill, where he basically stonewalled everyone. Would draft this guy in five seconds. Very intelligent player. Dunker is a class by himself and has dominated most drills. Is a nasty guy. Hecht showed good stuff all week and is a thick dude with an alert presence.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a.../87269/2026-panini-senior-bowl-thursday-diary

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Senior Bowl interview: OG Keylan Rutledge

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Keylan Rutledge #77 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets lines up during the fourth quarter against the Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Dome on September 07, 2024 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Offensive guard Keylan Rutledge is big enough to play offensive tackle. He just doesn’t. And he had a great college career at Georgia Tech in the ACC. He will tell you that college football isn’t just two conferences in the SEC and the Big-10, but the ACC still remains a quality league. One of its member teams, the Miami Hurricanes, came one interception away from claiming this year’s National Championship.

RELATED: MEL KIPER MOCK DRAFT

Rutledge is 6’-4” and a beefy 330 pounds. However, when you gaze at him, he resembles more of a basketball player than an offensive lineman who plays football. He is not a fat guy, but very muscular and lean.

He played for Middle Tennessee University for two years before going into the portal and coming out at Georgia Tech for his final two seasons. At Middle Tennessee, he was named First Team All-Conference USA. At Georgia Tech, his accolades include two-time First Team All-ACC, Brian Piccolo Award winner, and being named First Team All-American.

Yes, he is that good. And he is ready to take the next step in his football life.

LINK: SENIOR BOWL ROSTERS

Revenge of the Birds staff writer Barry Shuck is at the Senior Bowl this week. He interviewed Rutledge between practice sessions.

OG Keylan Rutledge (6’-4”, 330 pounds)​

Georgia Tech​

Ranking: #136 (Round 3-4)​

————————————————————————————

Shuck: What are some traits of your game?

Rutledge: I have really good leverage and am able to get my hands inside. My footwork is good and get my legs stuck in the ground so that I can powerfully unlock my hips. And I have good balance control. I might get off speed. My second step might be a little whiny. But how I come off the ball is power. And then after that is finishing.

Keylan Rutledge is the physical mauler that everyone wants to see in 1v1s at the Senior Bowl https://t.co/I3D9OlfYdn pic.twitter.com/mI3kc3XqK8

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) December 2, 2025

Shuck: Your college coach stated that you are the toughest player on the offensive line that he has ever coached. Your thoughts?

Rutledge: I think he gives me a little too much credit. At the end of the day, when it’s fourth-and-one, that’s what drives me. And a lot of the game is between the ears. I have overcome a lot in my life, but I never use any of it as an excuse. I almost had my foot amputated after my truck rolled repeatedly. It was a journey for sure.

Shuck: What are you expecting from playing in the NFL?

Rutledge: It’s a dream come true. But it’s just football at the end of the day. It’s cute to say I played in this conference or this NFL team, but we compete regardless of it. It’s the toughness that’s instilled in me. I’m just wired that way.

Shuck: What is your play like playing inside as a guard?

Rutledge: I am a mauler. I am a finisher. I put dudes in the dirt. I’ve always been like that. That’s why I’m here.

Shuck: Tons of NFL teams here this week at the Senior Bowl. How are you able to keep your focus, and are you still growing as a player?

Rutledge: There are things to clean up even when you have a great rep. Work on technique, hand placement, details, throwing hands, and having my feet tied together with my hands. Going back to fundamentals improves my game.

Shuck: How do you like to be coached?

Rutledge: I have been to two different schools and had lots of coaches. I like getting chewed at, but get very detailed with me and tell me to focus on one thing or another in terms of technique.

Shuck: Have you met with any NFL teams while here at the Senior Bowl?

Rutledge: I have met someone from all 32 teams since I’ve been here.

Shuck: With the offensive line, do you feel it is a huge responsibility to protect the most important players on the field like the quarterback and running backs?

Rutledge: That’s our job. Our job in the run game is to pose our will and finish blocks, and we have to keep the quarterback upright. The quarterbacks are paid a lot of money, so we have to take care of them. As an offensive lineman, you want to help the running back reach rushing goals and give up the fewest sacks. Those metrics are good to look at, but at the same time, you just want to turn the tape on and know other defensive players don’t want to face you.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...7245/senior-bowl-interview-og-keylan-rutledge

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Senior Bowl interview: OT Max Iheanachor

Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) of Arizona State and American Team offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) of Auburn line up for a play during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Take a look at the final 2025 offensive line rankings in the NFL. Where did the Arizona Cardinals rank? Try #26.

Which is pretty sad. To be fair, the running back room had numerous injuries and ended up with second-teamers and practice squad guys taking snaps to finish the season. Not to mention the injury bug for the offensive room group, who ended up on IR: RG Will Hernandez, LT Valentin Senn, and RT Jonah Williams.

RELATED: OG KEYLAN RUTLEDGE INTERVIEW

The Cardinals need some help along the offensive line, whether that is through free agency or by taking some new guys in the NFL draft.

The Senior Bowl is a great place to see up close some blue-chip talent, along with guys who will be available in the mid-rounds that could help this roster. Max Iheanachor is an OT who could come in and start Day 1 or sit and further develop for next season. But his talents can help this team this year.

LINK: SENIOR BOWL ROSTERS

Revenge of the Birds staff writer Barry Shuck is at the Senior Bowl this week. He interviewed Iheanachor (pronounced ee-HAY-nah-chore) during the practice week. Last year, he was named Second Team All-Big 12.

——————————————————————————————-

OT Max Iheanachor (6’-6”, 330 pounds)​

Arizona State​

Projection: Round 2​

Shuck: Why does the offensive line need a good connection among all five players?

Iheanachor: We stick together when we do drills and basically do everything together. It builds a relationship, and when we come onto the field, it’s as one unit. We accept each other as family. It’s a stable environment. We have to trust each other and know that the man beside you has your back. Communicate and work as a unit.

Arizona State RT Max Iheanachor was a "winner" on day 2 of practice.

Coordinated athlete in space, esp for 325 pounds. His hand use and awareness continue to improve. Exciting upside here. pic.twitter.com/00oQ2Y2HOc

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 29, 2026

Shuck: You didn’t play football in high school. What’s that story?

Iheanachor: I grew up playing soccer in Nigeria. When I moved to Los Angeles, because of my height, they got me into playing basketball at my high school, but we didn’t have a football team. I eventually ended up in AAU and thought that would be my future, and I had a chance to go to college and play basketball. But my AAU coach, Cory DeSanti, suggested I look into playing football in college. God used him to talk to me. I decided to trust the process. I ended up at East Los Angeles Community College and got my introduction to football. I knew I was big enough, and I guess I move pretty well. I thought I’d try it and embrace the journey.

Shuck: How did you end up at Arizona State?

Iheanachor: I was recruited by an offensive line coach from Fresno State, Saga Tuitele. I was going to go to school there. Then, Coach Saga got a new job at Arizona State, so I decided to go with him. It was really the connection and relationship I had with him. I played right away because players got hurt. It made me have to learn real fast. In my second year, I start every game. This year, I played every game. Each time, I knew what I needed to do and what I needed to work on. It’s about the journey. Grind every day and stay humble always.

He is better value at 34 for the Cardinals than taking Fano/Mauigoa at 3.

— Kyle (@dangahv) January 29, 2026

Shuck: How has your game changed?

Iheanachor: Really, I would say the game speed has gotten better. And dealing with the physicality of going against these EDGE rushers. My pass set is getting better, but everything still needs improvement. My goal is to get 1% better every day. I have high standards and expect a lot from myself, but I hold myself to be more accountable.

Shuck: I read one media scouting report that said that you “float.” Your thoughts?

Iheanachor: I am just able to get low. I think my anticipation is good, and so it just looks like I might know where a defensive guy is coming from before the snap. I can grow in any system. I was taught early how to use my hands and then push the defensive end off towards the side. My lower body thickness helps, and with my basketball background, I guess I must have a lateral glide with my feet.

Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor had a huge Day 2 at the Senior Bowl. So explosive out of his stands and nimble while mirroring pass rushers.

Iheanachor didn’t allow a sack this past season for the Sun Devils. pic.twitter.com/ZmcVHfvb7l

— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) January 29, 2026

Shuck: How would you describe your game?

Iheanachor: I am competitive and have thick skin. I don’t let trash talkers get to me because that is every game. I respond to adversity and think I have good feet. My stance is good, and I have played a lot of football and have learned a lot of football. And I have confidence.

Shuck: Are there any advantages to starting to play football late in your life?

Iheanachor: Sometimes I think there are so many disadvantages, but I am a fast learner and love to play. I enjoy playing offensive line rather than another position because I am in a family up front, and we depend upon each other. Other positions don’t have that. I trust the process, and I am patient. God has placed people in my life to steer me to where I am now.

Shuck: What will NFL coaches and scouts be saying about you when they leave the Senior Bowl?

Iheanachor: That I do my job. If I play my game in Saturday’s game against some of the best defensive linemen in the country, and hold my own, the scouts will know that I did my job. There has been plenty said about the defensive line prospects that are down here. I need to show them that my run blocking is as good as my pass blocking. I have confidence in myself and am ready to see what is next on my journey.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...87323/senior-bowl-interview-ot-max-iheanachor

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Buffalo Bills hire former Arizona Cardinals special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 14: Arizona Cardinals assistant coach Jeff Rodgers watches action during game featuring the Arizona Cardinals and the Houston Texans on December 14, 2025 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

For the first time in three coaching cycles, the Arizona Cardinals will have a new special teams coordinator.

It was reported today that Jeff Rodgers, the Cardinals special teams coordinator since 2018 has signed in the same capacity with the Buffalo Bills.

The Bills are hiring Cardinals special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers for the same role on Joe Brady’s staff, per source.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 30, 2026

Rodgers first signed with the Cardinals in 2018 with then head coach Steve Wilks, and remained with the team after they moved on from Wilks.

Since 2019, Rodgers has been the Special Teams Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach for the Cardinals, and remained in the role after the team moved on from Kliff Kingsbury to Jonathan Gannon.

His special teams had struggled the last couple of years, finishing 30th this season in special teams metrics across the board.

So, him moving on is not overly surprising as the unit has struggled, and the Cardinals will have another new head coach.

Either way, good luck to Rodgers in his next stop in Buffalo.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...dinals-special-teams-coordinator-jeff-rodgers

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Senior Bowl interview: QB Cole Payton

Jan 31, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National quarterback Cole Payton (9) of North Dakota State throws the ball during the second half of the 2026 Senior Bowl at University of South Alabama, Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Are the Arizona Cardinals looking to grab a young QB in this year’s NFL draft? Maybe the question should be, which young quarterback are they drafting?

Maybe the best option is for the Cardinals to select a prospect, then let him sit for a year and develop. QB Jacoby Brissett has one more year on his contract, and if QB Kyler Murray remains on the roster, that is two experienced signalcallers who can teach and groom the young buck.

RELATED: QB DIEGO PAVIA INTERVIEW

At the Senior Bowl this week, six quarterbacks dotted the rosters of the two All-Star squads. One notable name is Cole Payton of North Dakota State.

North Dakota State is a Division 1 FCS program. And a successful one at that, having won 18 national championships: 10 as a member of Division I FCS, and 8 as a member of Division II. Their football teams have won more games than any other FCS school founded after 1876.

This past season, the dual-threat Payton threw for 2,719 yards on 225 attempts with 16 TDs against just four interceptions. His completion percentage was 72.0%, which is amazing. He also rushed for 777 yards with 13 additional scores.

Cole Payton

Easily top sleeper from Senior Bowl.

Elite dual threat QB:
– 2,719 pass yd 16 TDs, 4 ints
– 72% completion percentage
– 777 rush yds / 13 rush TDspic.twitter.com/ZgRpg1Hgoq

— Elite Drafters (@Elite_Drafters) January 29, 2026

The kid can sling the football and is a tremendous runner, as he is very athletic. His accuracy percentage alone should be a consideration for a late-round pick, and the thought-process to develop and build up a project that runs like a gazelle.

This year, North Dakota State went 12-1-0 but lost in the playoffs. The year before, they were National Champions. Again.

Payton’s college accolades:

* 2026 NFL Scouting Combine
* 2026 Panini Senior Bowl
* 2025 Walter Payton Award finalist (3rd)
* 2025 Stats Perform FCS All-America first team
* 2025 FCS Football Central All-America first team
* 2025 Associated Press FCS All-America second team (QB)
* 2025 Phil Steele FCS All-America second team
* 2025 Associated Press FCS All-America honorable mention (AP)
* 2025 All-MVFC second team
* 2025 MVFC Offensive Player of the Week (9/29, 10/13, 10/27)
* 2025 MVFC Scholar-Athlete second team
* 2025 CSC Academic All-District Team
* 2022, 2024 MVFC Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award
* 2022, 2023, 2024 MVFC Honor Roll

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Payton also led his high school football team to a 31-5 record over three seasons, including a Class A state championship in 2020. All this guy knows is winning. He drew rave reviews from NFL analysts at Senior Bowl practices. In high school, Payton was voted the Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year.

In last year’s Senior Bowl, OT Grey Zabel was the darling of the offensive line, and then was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round at pick #18. Of course, as a rookie, Zabel is playing in the Super Bowl.

Revenge of the Birds staff writer Barry Shuck was at the Senior Bowl this week. He interviewed Payton at this event as one of six quarterbacks in attendance.

QB Cole Payton (6’-3”, 233 pounds)​

North Dakota State​

Projection: Round 4​

——————————————————————————

Shuck: What was your experience at the Senior Bowl?

Payton: No snow for certain. Has been an absolute blast meshing with these guys more and more. We have veteran quarterbacks, and the offensive line they have gathered for us are really good guys with a lot of talent. Throwing to these freak receivers has been an awesome experience. They are making our job easy.

Day 3 highlights from the Senior Bowl.

Cole Payton had a good week. Now it's on to the Combine for the former #NDSU quarterback. https://t.co/q2WmZ1jDIL pic.twitter.com/m5av8yucFe

— Dom Izzo (@DomIzzoWDAY) January 29, 2026

Shuck: What you have shown on full display this week has proven that you belong at the next level. What are the things you need to work on?

Payton: Throwing mechanics are always at a premium for me. Keeping a nice space and not dropping the ball as much. Stepping up as a leader. There is no drop off from NDSU and is a special place.

Shuck: North Dakota State won another National Championship in your junior year. Is it harder to get to the championship game or return to the big game?

Payton: Our program is known for winning National titles, so it’s not like we are going to creep up on anybody. That second season, you have to have enthusiasm, energy, and emotion. That’s super motivating for us, and we just want to run through a brick wall to get back. Us leaders rally behind that, and the locker room rallies behind it, too.

Shuck: You are a very good runner. There are some in the media who are questioning your ability to play every facet of a quarterback. How do you respond?

Payton: I don’t write articles, and my play on the field is my only answer. I’m a quarterback. That’s why I came to NDSU to play quarterback, to be a leader, and to be an accurate passer and get the ball to the playmakers and get us in the right checks and the right calls. I am super excited to showcase that.

Shuck: What have you worked on most to polish off your game to where you are now?

Payton: Definitely, it starts with my throwing mechanics, improving my accuracy, and stepping up as a leader are the main things. But I also have to be myself. I study a lot of film, and that shows what I need to work on the most.

Zion Young and Cole Payton are your National and American Players of the Game #TheDraftStartsInMobile pic.twitter.com/atuv7aHuoO

— Panini Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 31, 2026

Shuck: What is the ultimate goal for you?

Payton: I think to continue to be a leader and keep the team focused. And that means being 1-0 in the next game, winning the division and then the conference, and learning from the ones who have been in the NFL for years and being that annoying kid who always asks a bunch of questions. The standard is to win the next level. The standard is always high. And for me personally, it’s just to reach my full potential.

Shuck: You broke your thumb on your throwing hand trying to recover a fumble in the second round of the FCS playoffs. How did it happen, and did you know right away it was broken?

Payton: I really don’t know if it happened when the ball got stripped. Maybe my thumb got hit weirdly as I was about to throw. Or when I got into that pile trying to recover the fumble, if my thumb got smashed somehow. There were a lot of big bodies in that pile, and I dove for the ball right away, so I ended up mostly on the bottom. Coming off the field, I knew something was wrong with it. Honestly, I thought I had dislocated it when I first looked at it. But the athletic trainer looked at it and said it was probably broken. Got an X-ray for good measure, and that was that. Had surgery shortly after the game.

Cole Payton says his broken thumb should be healed up right before Senior Bowl practices begin at the end of January.

Full interview here.@seniorbowl @ColePayton9

https://t.co/4cLtjFgLnB

— Dom Izzo (@DomIzzoWDAY) December 29, 2025

Shuck: With the surgery, it wasn’t certain that you would be able to participate in the Senior Bowl. You could have stayed home and said you weren’t ready, but here you are.

Payton: Two weeks post-op, I felt good.I met with the doctor, the swelling had gone down, and the pain was good. I was able to move it more and more and was on track. Obviously, the Senior Bowl is among the most prestigious All-Star games for us college prospects. But I had the injury to my left thumb. I appreciate that the Senior Bowl is in late January. It gave me a little bit more time to heal and get ready.

Shuck: How would you write your own scouting report?

Payton: I think it starts with being tough and finding ways to stay on the field for my team. I keep the chains moving in critical third-down situations. That goes back to me definitely being a dual-threat quarterback. I can run the ball and throw it well.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/arizona-cardinals-draft/87340/senior-bowl-interview-qb-cole-payton

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Get to know new Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur

Jun 3, 2025; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur at press conference during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It is official, the Arizona Cardinals new head coach is Mike LaFleur.

Arizona Cardinals to hire Mike LaFleur as new head coach per reports

The Cardinals fanbase and a lot of media outlets have expressed interest in hiring an offensive-minded guy to head the franchise instead of going with a coach to lead the defense. Currently, Arizona’s defense is in pretty good shape and certainly needs a piece here and there, but a qualified DC could come in and set up shop rather quickly with the talent on that side of the ball.

The Rams were this year’s NFC Championship Game and had a great showing against a very good Seattle Seahawks defense.

That is the result of LaFleur’s efforts. But who is he? What are his qualifications?

Beginnings​

LaFleur grew up in the small town of Mount Pleasant, Michigan, nestled in the bullseye of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. To know Mike LaFleur, you have to be acquainted with his family.

His parents are Kristi and Denny LaFleur. His father, Denny, played linebacker at Central Michigan, which won the D-2 National Championship in 1974, while his mother was one of the team’s cheerleaders. Denny held the school’s record for most career tackles.

Denny then transitioned into teaching and became an assistant football coach for his alma mater. That lasted 20 years. Kristi was a physical education and health teacher who coached track and cheerleading. At Central Michigan, Denny had coached practically every position on defense. The couple has now been married for 51 years.

Kristi’s father, Bob Barringer, was also a football coach at Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan. So, football was more than just a sport in her family. Barringer just happened to be a Central Michigan fan. Kristi and Deeny got married in their senior year at CMU.

Mike’s brother is Matt, currently the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. He played quarterback for most of his life and went to Western Michigan and then Saginaw Valley State. After going undrafted in the 2003 NFL draft, Matt signed with the Omaha Beef of the “National Indoor Football League.” The following season, he played for the Billings Outlaws of the same league.

Growing up, brothers Matt and Mike, who is the younger sibling, competed in the AAU basketball circuit. But their lives were football with their dad as a coach and their mom coaching the cheer squad. Both brothers were great kids to coach because they had such an intensity about the way they played.

Both boys knew that one day they would also be football coaches.

Matt got in the door when his father called the new CMU head coach, Brian Kelly, and asked if he needed any grad assistants. There, he met another grad assistant, Robert Saleh, who is now the head coach of the Tennessee Titans after building up the San Francisco 49ers’ defense.

When Matt became the OC with the Rams and Mike was hired as the 49ers WR coach, these two teams played each other twice a year both being NFC West Division members. Kristi LaFleur had a difficult time of which team to pull for when the two clubs met on the gridiron.

So, she devised a system. Kristi wore t-shirts she designed that appeared to be authentic NFL gear. The shirts read on the front, “The San Angeles Ram-ers.”

Mike’s path​

Mike LaFleur was also a quarterback, but played three sports in high school. He then played football for Elmhurst University, located in nearby Illinois. In addition to playing quarterback, he would also line up at safety and was elected team captain.

After graduation, he became an offensive assistant with Elmhurst. The following year, he became the QB coach for St. Joseph’s (IN) College and then was elevated to their OC for the following two seasons. In 2013, he accepted the OC position at Davidson, which was a D-1 school.

In 2014, he interviewed and was hired by the Cleveland Browns as an offensive coaching intern under Browns OC Kyle Shanahan. What was the connection with the Browns and Mike?

His brother Matt was then the quarterbacks coach for the Washington Redskins and before that had been on the coaching staff of the Houston Texans. Both stints overlapped with when Kyle Shanahan was the offensive coordinator for those teams. Shanahan knew of Mike through his brother and felt they could have the same type of chemistry on the staff.

Suddenly, Mike was in the door of the NFL. When Shanahan left Cleveland the following year to become the OC with the Atlanta Falcons, Mike followed him as an offensive assistant for two seasons. In 2017, Shanahan was named head coach of the 49ers. As he was filling out his staff, he hired Mike as his passing game coordinator and WR coach. After two years, the franchise hired another guy to fill the WR coaching position so that Mike could focus solely on his duties as passing game coordinator.

During Mike’s time with San Fran, their DC was Saleh. He was hired as the head coach of the New York Jets, and Saleh hired Mike as his OC. Mike LaFleur was finally an offensive coordinator in the NFL.

Rams success​

Saleh was fired during the 2022 season. Usually, this means that after the year is completed, the new head coach will want to bring in his own guys to fill out his staff, which is what happened.

Welcome to LA, Mike LaFleur! pic.twitter.com/MqdLdh39Yj

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 27, 2023

Two weeks after losing his job with the Jets, he was interviewed and then hired to become the new OC with the Rams under head coach Sean McVay. He has been the OC for Los Angeles for three seasons now.

The Rams ranked #1 in total offense this year. That speaks for itself.

2025 NFL offensive rankings for Los Angeles Rams:

• Total offensive yards per game average: #1 (394.6)
• Passing yards: #2 (4,707)
• Passing TDs: #1 (46)
• Fewest interceptions: #4 (8)
• Passing first down conversions: #2 (236)
• Rushing yards: #7 (2,152)
• Rushing TDs: #16 (15)
• Fewest rushing fumbles: #12 (5)
• Rushing first down conversions: #6 (126)

Both brothers have been the OC with the Rams – Matt in 2017 and Mike from 2023-present. If Mike is hired to run the Cardinals, they would become the second brother head coaching duo in the NFL, joining John and Jim Harbaugh. There have been other brother coaching combinations, such as Rex and Rob Ryan, and Jon and Jay Gruden, but not two brothers who have been head coaches.

Mike’s offensive scheme is deeply rooted in the Shanahan/McVay tree. This emphasizes a strong outside run game. His offense also has simplicity for the quarterback to make early, easy decisions. Rams QB Matt Stafford is annually mentioned in the league MVP conversation because of this scheme geared to establish consistency for the signalcaller.

A lot of usage of jet sweeps, RPOs, and flood routes allows the offense to have effective passing plays and leverage the rushing attack. There is also a lot of motion and pre-snap movement. Motions are needed to gain the numbers advantage on the perimeter and create better blocking angles. Mike uses a teacher’s mentality in that he teaches core concepts so well that players don’t have to think much about what to do because it becomes instinctive.

Now, to accomplish most of his offensive techniques, he requires an excellent offensive line group and a competent quarterback who has the ability to run on occasion. It is a common occurrence to begin plays in an empty set. Both of these positions will need to be addressed immediately.

The wide zone run game will need to be effective and give the offense some needed help in protection on the interior. Again, another position that will need to be solved is the running back room. The Cardinals will require a dynamic running back who is capable of breaking off the big runs on the perimeter.

Mike married Lauren Ball in 2010. According to her Facebook page, she studied at Elmhurst College, went to Mt. Pleasant High School, and is from Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The couple has two children.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...new-arizona-cardinals-head-coach-mike-lafleur

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Former Cardinals coach Bruce Arians to have surgery

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 01: Tampa Bay Buccaneers senior advisor to the general manager Bruce Arians looks on before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) | Getty Images

If you are a person who prays, former Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians needs your help. He is set to have open heart surgery on Friday, February 6, in Philadelphia, just two days before the Super Bowl.

He made the announcement on the “Today” show with Rob Gronkowski, who played for Arians with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Arians and Gronk are featured on a Novartis Super Bowl commercial for this year’s big game regarding prostate cancer screening.

RELATED: SUPER BOWL LX PREVIEW

Every year when NFL coaches are fired, Arians’ name comes up as a possible replacement. But the former Cardinals coach is now 73-years old and has had plenty of health issues. He survived prostate cancer in 2007 when he was the OC of the Pittsburgh Steelers. While head coach for Arizona in 2013, Arians had cancerous cells in his nose removed. Three years later, he was hospitalized twice. The first was during the preseason due to diverticulitis. Then, in the middle of the season, he experienced chest pains. During the same season, renal cell carcinoma was found on Arians’ kidney to which he had surgery to remove a portion of his kidney.

Today, Arians is semi-retired and is semi-employed with Tampa Bay as a senior football consultant. His part-time job duties include attending meetings on a daily basis and watching practices, then giving advice as needed.

His coaching career spanned 46 years, during which he worked for four college programs and seven NFL clubs. Arians was the head coach with several teams: Temple University (1983-1988), Indianapolis Colts (2012, interim), Cardinals (2013-2017), and Buccaneers (2019-2021).

In 2020, the Bucs went 11-5-0 and defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 in Super Bowl LV with Tom Brady as their new quarterback. With that game, Arians holds the record for the oldest head coach to win a Super Bowl at age 68. He also won a pair of Super Bowl rings with the Steelers. He was the team’s WR coach in Super Bowl XL and its OC in Super Bowl XLIII.

In 2015, Arizona won the NFC West Division with a sterling 13-3-0 record, then defeated the Green Bay Packers 26-20 in overtime in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, but lost to the Carolina Panthers 49-15 in the NFC Championship Game.

Arians was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2012 (Colts) and 2014 (Cardinals). He went 49-30-1 during his five seasons as head coach of the Cardinals.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...-cardinals-coach-bruce-arians-to-have-surgery

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Tennessee Titans to hire Gus Bradley as defensive coordinator

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 30: Assistant head coach of defense Gus Bradley of the San Francisco 49ers looks on prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on November 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

A name that had been bandied about as a potential defensive coordinator for new head coach Mike LaFleur was Gus Bradley.

49ers assistant head coach Gus Bradley has emerged as a top defensive coordinator candidate for the Arizona Cardinals, per @AlbertBreer. pic.twitter.com/dWb5bFOzAS

— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) February 1, 2026

Well, that idea is over as Bradley, after being spurned as the defensive coordinator by the San Francisco 49ers, he has decided to follow Robert Saleh to the Tennessee Titans and be their defensive coordinator.

Source: The Titans are working to hire 49ers assistant Gus Bradley as their new defensive coordinator. Big win for Robert Saleh bringing Bradley aboard.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 2, 2026

This is an interesting decision by Bradley, but does it speak volumes about the Arizona Cardinals, the team and the franchise and where they are at?

To put this in perspective, Gus Bradley had (by all accounts) two choices

– DC for the Cardinals, where he'd call plays for a rookie offensive minded HC

– DC for the Titans, where he won't call plays for a retread defensive minded HC

That speaks volumes about the Cardinals https://t.co/dQTAZ8JluB

— David Howman (@_DH44_) February 2, 2026

My good friend, Kyle Posey was happy to get away from Bradley and felt like it was a dodged bullet.

Gus Bradley defenses from 2017 through 2024 using EPA, Success Rate, DVOA, 3rd downs, and in the red zone. pic.twitter.com/htvtTWMJRO

— Kyle Posey (@KP_Show) January 29, 2026

So, maybe this was a blessing in disguise of not getting a defensive coordinator that maybe the game has passed him by a little bit and the Cardinals will be forced to hire someone potentially better?

Although, it does beg a lot of questions of why you would rather just be a defensive coordinator in name and not in execution?

Is the Cardinals situation that bad? Or does Bradley just not trust himself enough?

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...-to-hire-gus-bradley-as-defensive-coordinator

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Senior Bowl interview: S Bud Clark

Jan 31, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American wide receiver Aaron Anderson (2) of LSU runs past National safety Bud Clark (21) of TCU during the first half of the 2026 Senior Bowl at University of South Alabama, Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

The Arizona Cardinals will need some help during the offseason to help the defense. Does the defensive line need a body or two? Is the linebacker room good? What about the defensive backfield?

The Cardinals’ safety room seems to be a good group. Budda Baker made his eighth Pro Bowl this past season. Jalen Thompson had a Pro Football Focus grade this past season of 68.7, but with zero interceptions and a hefty 95 total tackles. Seventh-round draft pick Kitan Crawford ended his rookie season on IR, and the jury is still out on Dadrion Taylor-Demerson and Joey Blount.

RELATED: OG KEYLAN RUTLEDGE INTERVIEW

One prize defender came out of the Senior Bowl this week, with safety Bud Clark out of TCU. He was everywhere. During the practice week, this game only allowed some medium hitting in two practice sessions, and they had to tell Clark to tone it down. Several times.

Senior Bowl Day 2 standouts – National team:

• Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez
• Texas Tech ED Romello Height
• John Carroll WR Tyren Montgomery
• TCU SAF Bud Clark
• Clemson ED TJ Parker
• Texas Tech iDL Lee Hunter
• Western Michigan ED Nadame Tucker
• NC State ED Cian…

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) January 28, 2026

Clark is known for going up against elite receivers during his college career. It was no different at the Senior Bowl as he harassed receivers going deep every practice session. His ball production jumps off the tape. He is a confident run defender and has no issue coming down to support, stopping the run game. Natural leader and has controlled aggression.

He had a very good week in Mobile, which will elevate his stock. Clark came into this game as a high fourth-round selection, and now has jumped at least one round and would not surprise anyone if he heard his name called at the bottom of Round 2.

Clark got a new nickname during practice week at the Senior Bowl: Stingy. This is a guy who is always a fan favorite and is very approachable.

Revenge of the Birds staff writer Barry Shuck was at the Senior Bowl this week. He interviewed Clark during the practice week. Clark is a two-time Second Team All-Big 12 member.

S Bud Clark (6’-1”, 185 pounds)​

TCU​

Projection: Round 3​

———————————————————————————–

Shuck: You have consistently shown in the 1-on-1 drills some smooth shadowing with receivers and tight ends. What is your technique?

Clark: I use my quickness to stay with the faster receivers. Tight ends are tricky because they are always taller and weigh more than any safety. They will slam you right away and stick out their shoulder or hip to push you aside. I have to get up under them, or they will use their girth on passing downs. I have to be just as physical, or else they will do this all game on you. You have to be just as physical. I can jump routes with my anticipation and use my size to press receivers off their routes.

@atozsportsfilmroom
Bud Clark says “I’LL TAKE THAT” #tcu #interception #fyp #seniorbowl #hornedfrogs

♬ original sound – A to Z Sports Film Room

Shuck: People who know defense in college football were already aware of you before you got here at the Senior Bowl. This week, you balled out. How do you describe your game?

Clark: I have plenty of experience and have played 61 games at TCU. I am durable and seem to be in the right places in order to make a play. For the past three years, I played every game. I love to hit, and I am good at it. My coverage skills are really good, too. I love receivers who think they are going to end up being open deep. I can rule being a zone defender. I bat down a lot of balls and have had 15 interceptions in the last four years, so I pride myself on being around the ball. In my first two practices here, I got two interceptions in two days.

Shuck: You are manned up with a receiver. How does that work for a safety?

Clark: I can walk down, I can press. I can play off and do whatever is needed of me. I am step-by-step with these receivers. I’m very versatile. And I learn fast and like to get advice from coaches and veteran players. They know. I just love to compete.

Bud Clark WHAT?! pic.twitter.com/8VoLWTF7Qo

— The Giants Report (@GiantsReport1) January 28, 2026

Shuck: This past year, you were ranked in the Top-5 safety group. What brought out the best in you this past season?

Clark: Just being able to see different things, like just small details, like back away or if I shuffle it back to me. Like being able to know the game of football. I have always been athletic, but I put that knowledge hand-in-hand, and it helped me. I think my anticipation is good.

Shuck: This past year, you were the highest-rated TCU player in the video game “College Football 25.” Did you brag about that to your teammates?

Clark: Nah, I didn’t tell them. They told me. I try not to throw it in their faces. That 92 rating was amazing. I’m not going to fanboy right now, but I felt like it was pretty great. I go home, and my two-year old son looks at me like dad he knows who it is. I’m going to tell my son all his life. It’s pretty cool. The game is realistic, and there are different details from last year’s.

Shuck: How do you handle the adversity of losing a few games in a row?

Clark: We just go back to work. Start with team meetings and make sure everybody talks about it and hits straight. Make sure nobody don’t point any fingers, and everybody stays together. I am one of the team leaders. If I see negativity, if I hear anything wrong, if it’s not great positivity, don’t say it. Keep it to yourself. Go tell your family members about it because we will fix this on our own.

Shuck: What will NFL coaches and scouts be saying about you when they leave the Senior Bowl?

Clark: That I am a hustler and will do my job. I can play box, free, strong, or come down and play linebacker or blitz. I am a hitter and known as a ball hawk. I love coming down and taking down a running back. That is why I am here.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/arizona-cardinals-draft/87441/senior-bowl-interview-s-bud-clark

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals add offense in newest two-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft from ESPN

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 06: Germie Bernard #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after running the ball for a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter in the 2025 SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For the Arizona Cardinals, fixing their team is not just about one draft, but getting the draft right and getting high impact players is going to be a key to fixing their team.

Matt Miller dropped his first 2026 NFL Mock Draft on Monday, and he was brave enough to do two rounds, and for the Arizona Cardinals, it is a clear building block draft, where they should get better because of it.

From E$PN:

3. Arizona Cardinals​

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Mauigoa to the Cardinals is one of the most seamless fits in the first round. Arizona must shore up its offensive line and needs a long-term starter at right tackle opposite Paris Johnson Jr. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Mauigoa was a three-year starter at Miami and allowed only two sacks in 16 games during the Hurricanes’ run to the national title game last season. The Cardinals are desperate for that type of consistency, with 36-year-old Kelvin Beachum starting 11 games in 2025 and no long-term answer on the roster.

There are questions about quarterback Kyler Murray’s future, but like with the Jets above, there are no solutions at QB in this part of the draft beyond Mendoza. So the Cardinals should sit tight and go OT.

34. Arizona Cardinals​

Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

Marvin Harrison Jr.’s first two seasons haven’t quite gone to plan, and the Cardinals don’t have much at receiver behind him and Michael Wilson. Bernard has elite ability to make plays after the catch and is a dynamic player who is capable of lining up all over the alignment — including in the backfield, in the slot and at X receiver.

Interesting to see a wide receiver in round two, but bringing in an “offensive guru” they may want more weapons on their plate, especially with what they have coming up in terms of contracts at the wide receiver position.

Adding Mauigoa and Bernard would be a nice haul, what would you think?

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/n...ewest-two-round-2026-nfl-mock-draft-from-espn

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Grade the Arizona Cardinals hire of Mike LaFleur

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02:The Vince Lombardi Trophy is framed by the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots helmets during Super Bowl LX Opening Night at San Jose McEnery Convention Center on February 02, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cardinals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

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The Arizona Cardinals now have their new head coach in Mike LaFleur, so we have to ask, how would you grade that hiring?

Now, how you feel about it may be swayed by what we all agree was a nice change of pace for a coaching press conference, but also he was truly impressive in his introduction.

Now, for the business at hand, more importantly who do you have winning the Super Bowl LX this Sunday?

The Seattle Seahawks are 4.5-point favorites heading into that game, a lot of that based on their performance and who they have played compared to the New England Patriots run, and who they have had to face.

It is hard to decide who you are cheering for, but I guess we all would agree that we don’t want the Seahawks to win, however the Patriots are annoying so no one wants them to win.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/n...de-the-arizona-cardinals-hire-of-mike-lafleur

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals request interviews with a number of prospective defensive cooridnators

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 12: Houston Texans Defensive Backs Coach Dino Vasso looks on during the NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals on November 12, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Arizona Cardinals are busy.

After hiring Mike LaFleur on Sunday, introducing him to the valley on Tuesday, they hired a new offensive coordinator in Nathaniel Hackett on Wednesday.

To make things even more fun, they are requesting a bevy of interesting names to potentially be LaFleur’s defensive coordinator.

Here are the names we know they have requested to speak with, you’ll note one name not on the list as of now is Don “Wink” Martindale.

First, Charlie Bullen, he was the interim defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, and was with the Arizona Cardinals during Kliff Kingsbury’s time as an assistant linebackers coach and outside linebackers coach.

The #AZCardinals have requested to interview Charlie Bullen for their DC position. Bullen was an in-house candidate for the #Giants and one of the few assistants retained on John Harbaugh’s coaching staff. He also interviewed for the #Cowboys’ DC position. pic.twitter.com/eoAF0voZGc

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 4, 2026

Next up is Aubrey Pleasant, the 38-year old Pleasant has been an NFL coach for over a decade, working with the Browns, Washington, the Rams, Lions and Packers and most recently has been the defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator for the Rams.

The #AZCardinals have requested #Rams assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant to interview for their DC job, source said.

Pleasant, who was a strong contender for #Chargers DC job, will interview with a former colleague in AZ. pic.twitter.com/pKIV28yOxQ

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 4, 2026

Finally, the team has requested to interview Houston Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso. The 38-year old Vasso has been a rising star with the Texans, helping the Texans secondary become the best passing defense in the NFL and helping develop their secondary.

The #AZCardinals have requested an interview with #Texans DBs coach Dino Vasso for their defensive coordinator job, source says. Veteran secondary coach gets a look for a DC job in Arizona. pic.twitter.com/SESa3o92wa

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 4, 2026

Which of the three known candidates is your favorite?

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...ith-charlie-bullen-aubrey-pleasant-dino-vasso

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals hire Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 19: Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of the New York Jets follows the action in the game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The new staff for the Arizona Cardinals is beginning to come together, and the first name we know will be on it is an interesting one.

Tom Pelissero of NFL.com is reporting that the Arizona Cardinals are hiring Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator under Mike LaFleur.

The Cardinals are hiring Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator, sources tell The Insiders.

Hackett, 46, was the offensive coordinator for three seasons under Matt LaFleur in Green Bay. Now, he teams up with Mike LaFleur in Arizona. pic.twitter.com/y0yM9gUltQ

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 4, 2026

Hackett was in a similar role with the Green Bay Packers and LaFleur’s brother, Matt from 2019-2021 and produced good results:

• 2019 – 18th in yards 15th in points
• 2020 – 5th in yards 1st in points
• 2021 – 10th in yards 10th in points

So, in the role of offensive coordinator and not designated play caller we have seen some good things, but there are few if any that view Hackett in a positive light in the NFL, but he has a relationship with the LaFleur’s as well as… Aaron Rodgers.

Would Rodgers be a candidate to come to Arizona for a year? Would anyone want that?

What are your thoughts on the hire of Hackett as offensive coordinator?

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...re-nathaniel-hackett-as-offensive-coordinator

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Larry Fitzgerald a first ballot NFL Hall of Famer

Cards XXLIII -- 02/01/2009 -- Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald (cq) celebrates after his touchdown in the 4th quarter during Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic) 157091 Cardsmediaday0128 Pano 2 2 | Rob Schumacher, The Arizona Republic via Imagn Content Services, LLC

One of the greatest to ever step on an NFL field will officially be enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, OH.

Larry Fitzgerald is a first ballot Hall of Famer for his work with the Arizona Cardinals.

Fitzgerald’s accomplishments in his time with the Arizona Cardinals:

• 1,432 receptions (2nd All-Time in NFL History)
• 17,492 yards receiving (2nd All-Time in NFL History)
• 121 receiving touchdowns (6th All-Time)
• Nine total 1,000 receiving yard seasons Tied for fourth All-Time)
• 263 Games Played
• 12.2 yards per reception
• 2x NFL Receptions Leader (2005, 2016)
• 2x NFL Receiving Touchdowns Leader (2008,2009)
• NFL Single-Postseason record in receptions (30), receiving yards (546), touchdowns (7)
• All Pro (2008) and 2nd Team All Pro (2009)
• Walter Payton Man of the Year (2016)
• NFL 100th Anniversary Team
• 11x Pro Bowler (Franchise Record)

Fitzgerald is considered one of the most consistent wide receivers in NFL history, despite having caught TD passes from the following in his career:

• Kurt Warner (48)
• Carson Palmer (29)
• Josh McCown (12)
• John Skelton (7)
• Josh Rosen (6)
• Kyler Murray (5)
• Kevin Kolb (5)
• Matt Leinart (5)
• Derek Anderson (4)
• Drew Stanton (3)
• Blaine Gabbert (2)
• Shaun King (1)
• Richard Bartel (1)
• Max Hall (1)
• Brian St. Pierre (1)
• John Navarre (1)

What a career and what an enjoyment to watch.

Larry Fitzgerald 2008 playoffs is one of the greatest we've EVER seen from a wide receiver.

In 4 games he caught 30 passes for 546 yards and SEVEN touchdowns
pic.twitter.com/7AIw7aX9Pr

— Football (@TheFBReels) January 30, 2026

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...st-ballot-nfl-hall-of-famer-arizona-cardinals