ARIZONA CARDINALS

Kevin Minter is ready ‘to take another step forward’

Jun 1, 2016, 10:00 AM | Updated: Jun 2, 2016, 11:19 am

Linebacker Kevin Minter runs down the field during Arizona Cardinals OTAs Tuesday, May 17. (Photo b...

Linebacker Kevin Minter runs down the field during Arizona Cardinals OTAs Tuesday, May 17. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)

(Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)

LISTEN: Kevin Minter, Arizona Cardinals linebacker

The road for the Arizona Cardinals at inside linebacker in the absence of former Pro Bowler Daryl Washington has had its ups and downs.

Kevin Minter was drafted in the second round by Arizona in 2013, and after temporary solutions like Karlos Dansby in 2013 and Larry Foote in 2014 helped, Minter was a possible long-term answer after Washington was suspended in 2014.

Coming off his first full season of starting at the position, the 25-year-old feels good about the way he played.

“As far as being my first time being that middle linebacker for this team, I feel like I did alright,” Minter said on Bickley & Marotta on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

The LSU product was second on the team in tackles with 110 with 13 for loss.

“I kind of established myself a bit this past season,” Minter said.

While it was a solid start, Minter and Cardinals fans alike know he can bring more.

“Going into this season I need to take another step forward,” Minter said. “I still feel like I haven’t really met my expectations yet.”

Minter was not shy about the expectations for the team either, after losing in the NFC Championship. The fourth-year inside linebacker said the team “laid an egg in Carolina” and the team was “complacent.”

“Our whole motto now is finish. It definitely holds true this year. We were a game away from being in the big one.”

That determination for the team is something Minter has seen in OTA’s, calling the team “crisp” and said they’ve “been hitting on all cylinders.”

As a run-stopper and playing a more traditional position — unlike linebacker and safety hybrid Deone Bucannon — winning those hard-hitting battles inside the tackles is what Minter does for his team.

He still has a role in defending the passing game, however, and the linebacker is aware of that and has trimmed down to help defend more of that style.

“I still wanted my power, because that was my game. I’m a downhill guy, but at the same time, I need to be able to move in space. This is a passing league now,” Minter said.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Desmond Ridder runs the rock against Houston...

Tyler Drake

Desmond Ridder eager to remind fellow Cardinals QB Clayton Tune about college wins

Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder may not know Kyler Murray just yet, but he and Clayton Tune go way back.

21 hours ago

LSU's Malik Nabers, a top NFL Draft prospect...

Kevin Zimmerman

NFL Draft: Malik Nabers to visit Arizona Cardinals after LSU pro day, per report

Top NFL Draft receiver prospect Malik Nabers will reportedly visit with the Arizona Cardinals after the LSU Tigers' pro day.

1 day ago

Desmond Ridder looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

QB1 or not, Desmond Ridder keeping starter mentality with Cardinals

New Cardinals QB Desmond Ridder is focused on using the good and the bad from his first two seasons rather than listening to outside chatter.

2 days ago

Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray look on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray’s ‘best football is ahead of him’

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will continue taking the necessary steps forward with a full offseason of work.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray chats with Jonathan Gannon...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals will face ‘really good’ AFC opponent for joint preseason practices

The Arizona Cardinals expect to hold joint practices in the preseason against a really good AFC opponent, in the words of Jonathan Gannon.

2 days ago

Patriots and Cardinals kick off return in 2020...

Associated Press

NFL owners approve new kickoff rules for 2024

NFL kickoff rules will take on a hybrid approach similar to the XFL. League owners approved the new measures Tuesday.

2 days ago

Kevin Minter is ready ‘to take another step forward’