Arizona Cardinals: 5 Players Primed to Breakout in 2015

Sean Weatherspoon, ILB

Nov 17, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (56) works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The inside linebacker position has been a bit on an issue for the Cardinals in recent years. Daryl Washington is probably the best player at the position on the roster, but injuries and off-the-field issues have held him back. Larry Foote was a solid veteran player for the team, but he has now taken up the role of coaching the Cardinals’ linebackers.

Add in the fact that former second round pick Kevin Minter has been extremely disappointing, and the inside linebacker position appears to be a weakness. The Cardinals addressed the position this off season by landing talented linebacker Sean Weatherspoon.

Weatherspoon was taken in the first round (19th overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2010 NFL Draft. He started his career with a bang, showing great speed and athleticism in limited playing time as a rookie. Weatherspoon took over a starting outside linebacker position for the Falcons in his second season, and he started all 16 games, totaling 115 tackles and four sacks.

Weatherspoon appeared to have a very bright future with the Falcons after his second season, but injuries have held him back since then. Most notably the last two seasons where he has only appeared in seven games, including missing all of last season with a very serious Achilles injury.

While injuries are certainly a concern, Weatherspoon has seemingly unlimited upside. He is a tough and physical player with great speed and athleticism for the linebacker position. He will line up as an inside linebacker in the Cardinals’ 3-4 defense, and while he has played very little in the scheme, Weatherspoon’s attributes fit the Cardinals’ defense very well.

He appears to be fully healthy and ready to go for the start of the season. Barring another injury, I fully expect Weatherspoon to shine in the Cardinals’ defense that will allow him to be more aggressive and show off his skills.

Next: An Underperforming Offensive Lineman