ESPN’s Solak lists Zaven Collins as X factor for 2024 Cardinals

After losing starting linebacker BJ Ojulari for the season to a knee injury and with rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson starting the season on injured reserve, the Arizona Cardinals pass rushing attack is searching for players to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

ESPN’s Ben Solak believes outside linebacker Zaven Collins, who signed a two-year contract extension during training camp, could be a player that steps up for the Cardinals. He labeled Collins as the X factor for the team in 2024.

It is unfair to expect Collins to make a similar leap like the one Haason Reddick — another Arizona draft pick who transitioned from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher — once enjoyed, but it is reasonable to expect he is better off the edge in Year 2 than he was in Year 1.

Solak said the former first-rounder’s pass-rushing impact is critical for a team that was 30th in the NFL with 33 sacks last season.

While Collins is probably most valuable for his versatility, his pass-rush impact will be the most important part of his game following these early-season injuries.

How does Collins look going into 2024?

Through three seasons with the Cardinals, Collins has 103 tackles, 12 passes defensed, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions.

After starting at inside linebacker in his first two seasons, Collins made the move to outside linebacker in 2023 in his first season under defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. In the new role, he had 41 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three passes defensed and an interception.

Who could emerge as a pass-rushing option outside of Collins?

Collins will line up with fellow outside linebacker Dennis Gardeck, who led the team with six sacks last year.

Rookie defensive end Xavier Thomas could emerge as an option off the defensive line, coming off a strong preseason where he registered two sacks and four QB hits in two games played.

Inside linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. could be another option for the team as he had 3.5 sacks, four tackles for loss and four quarterback hits last season with the New England Patriots.