Cardinals Cover 2

Ep. 872 - Everyone is familiar with the Swedish rock band Europe, right? No? Well, everyone is - or should be - familiar with “The Final Countdown,” their one and only hit song. Heck, even Zach Gershman knows the music; and after humming a few bars, he and Craig Grialou have one final conversation about the 2025 NFL Draft. What do the latest mock drafts say? Who’s been mocked to the Cardinals at 16 the most? Plus, the two give their own thoughts on what direction they think the team should go in the first round. Also, players are back in the building; the offseason strength and conditioning program is underway. And on Day 1, we heard from Paris Johnson Jr., Michael Wilson and Garrett Williams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 871 - Three days, Bird Gang. Three days until the start of the 2025 NFL Draft. It’s been a long wait, and now that wait is just about over. So, what’s the latest buzz? What is the latest talk, not only league-wide but focused on the Arizona Cardinals? Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what they’ve heard, what they’ve read; what positions make the most sense with the 16th overall pick. Also, the two examine the list of draft prospects brought in for 30 visits, what possibly can be learned from those reported trips to the team’s facility; and might the Cardinals have a coaching staff advantage when it comes to evaluating draft prospects. First though, Craig and Paul light the Dortch; they talk about Greg Dortch signing his one-year tender.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 870 – It’s become an annual spring tradition: the pre-draft press conference. GMs, and often head coaches, meet with the media and answer questions ahead of the NFL Draft. A lot of words are spoken, but not a lot is said. To put it another way, no one is going to tip their hand or show their cards. Everything is kept very close to the vest. (Have we used enough idioms?!) Still, that doesn’t stop people, including Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck, from trying to read between the lines. Will Monti Ossenfort stick-and-pick at 16? Trade down? Trade up? All options appear to be on the table. All positions, or most positions, seem to be on the table with that first-round selection regardless of what the team has done in free agency. In other words, stay tuned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 869 - Another day, another day closer to the NFL Draft. Many draft experts, including multiple on this show, have raved about the depth at defensive line in this year's class. But, with the additions of Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell, will the Cardinals target a different position in the first round? Dani Sureck and Zach Gershman discuss all the possibilities. Could it be an offensive lineman? Cornerback? Could it even be a wide receiver at pick 16? Plus, the two talk about what Trey McBride's contract extension says about the organization and how Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon value their own players.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 868 – Cardinals tight end Trey McBride joins Paul Calvisi and Darren Urban to discuss his new four-year contract extension that keeps him signed through the 2029 season. McBride talks about what he was doing when he got the news from his agents, what it’s like to be the NFL’s highest-paid tight end, his future development and the upside of the Cardinals offense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 867 - Six picks. One in each of the first five rounds. The Cardinals don’t have nearly the draft capital as they did a year ago. Still, GM Monti Ossenfort should be able to find some solid players, starters even despite the lack of a lot of star power in the 2025 NFL Draft. That’s how Paige Dimakos of The Draft Network sized up the draft when she joined the show from the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. In addition to the conversation with Dimakos, Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck look at a couple of more mock drafts, ones that target the line of scrimmage but on the offensive side, and discuss why defensive tackle remains in play at pick 16 even after the addition of Calais Campbell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 866 - It may be April Fools' Day but this is no joke. Defensive lineman Calais Campbell, one of the most popular players in modern Cardinals history, is returning to Arizona on a one-year deal. Paul Calvisi and Dani Sureck gather for an impromptu pod to share memories of Calais and forecast what he can mean for the 2025 Cardinals both on and off the field. Entering his 18th NFL season, Campbell is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and has earned many off-field honors including the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 865 - Offensive line. Defensive line. Cornerback. What about wide receiver? With the offseason moves he’s made already, GM Monti Ossenfort can go a number of different directions with the 16th overall pick. And as of now, he has six total picks to work with in the 2025 NFL Draft. So, what positions should be targeted with those selections? Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi have some suggestions, and they look at a handful of the recent mock drafts to gain a better idea of what the experts think. Also, the league is proposing rule changes for the upcoming season. Craig and Paul weigh in on banning the ‘Tush Push,’ amending the current playoff seeding format, and the dynamic kickoff among other possible changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 864 - When you have a franchise quarterback, then you do everything in your power to surround him with talent; and not just on offense but on both sides of the ball. The Cardinals have their franchise quarterback in Kyler Murray, so build around him according to Cynthia Frelund and Marc Ross from the NFL Network. Frelund, an analytics expert, and Ross, a former front office executive, joined both Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck from the Scouting Combine last month in Indianapolis. In addition to QB1, the conversations with the two included what positions the Cardinals should focus on in the draft and just how “wide open” they believe the NFC West is in 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 863 - It started with Josh Sweat. It continued with Dalvin Tomlinson. And let’s not forget about the return of Baron Browning. The Cardinals made the defensive front a priority this offseason. And for good reason, based on last season. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss the investment the team has made at both defensive line and outside linebacker. That dovetails into a conversation about what to do with the 16th pick. Might the Cardinals bypass the defensive front with their first-round draft pick? Look to select a cornerback? What about an offensive lineman? The guys have fun with the latest round of mock drafts, because it is after all a Mock Draft Monday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 862 - Yes, Josh Sweat and Dalvin Tomlinson are the two big-name free-agent additions. There was a third defensive player who received a multi-year contract from the Cardinals early in free agency and his name is Akeem Davis-Gaither, or ADG. He’s someone who took advantage of an opportunity late last season with the Cincinnati Bengals, and he hopes to do the same here in Arizona. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman hear from ADG, who sat down with Zach in the TV studio. Zach also had the chance to interview Sweat, Tomlinson and Jacoby Brissett while they were in town; parts of those conversations are played on the show as we get to know the new names and the new faces on the team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 861 - The regular season doesn’t start for another six months. That said, GM Monti Ossenfort is big on being able to go into the draft without having to select a position of need; go with the best player available regardless of where they play. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck - after a week off, Dani is back - discuss whether that’s what’s been accomplished after the first week of free agency. Are there still positions where the Cardinals might want to address; what about guard, specifically right guard; is a veteran or speed wide receiver needed; and what are we to make of last week’s visit by veteran cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.? Also, if you haven’t heard, Marvin Harrison Jr.’s No. 18 jersey is now available.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 860 - Don’t let the big smile fool you, Bird Gang. Dalvin Tomlinson is here to be a “disruptive” force on the line of scrimmage as he told both Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi following his introductory press conference on Friday. At 6-foot-3 and 325 pounds, the Cardinals new defensive lineman, yes, is a rather imposing figure. Tomlinson joined Craig and Paul in studio to talk about his “whirlwind” week; why he signed with the Cardinals; his pairing with Josh Sweat; and what he hopes to teach a young Darius Robinson. Also, Craig and Paul discuss the other two signings: quarterback Jacoby Brissett and wide receiver Simi Fehoko, the reported addition of offensive lineman Jake Curhan, what other roster moves might be next, and perhaps the biggest news of the week: Marvin Harrison Jr. jerseys are now available.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 859 - A mid-season addition a year ago, Baron Browning had a choice to make this offseason. And he chose to remain in Arizona. Why? He explained to both Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi when he joined the two in studio following his re-introductory press conference on Wednesday. Browning looks back at his eight games with the Cardinals in 2024; talks about the challenge of joining a new team in the middle of the season and who he leaned on when he arrived; why he believes he’s a three-down outside linebacker; and gives his thoughts on the recent addition to his position room, Josh Sweat. Also, Craig and Paul discuss the return of wide receiver Zay Jones as well as offer their best to Roy Lopez and Khyiris Tonga, a pair of defensive linemen who have signed elsewhere in free agency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 858 - Teams can sign their own free agents at any time. And that’s exactly what the Cardinals have done with a handful of players. So, while Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman await the official word on the reported signing of pass rusher Josh Sweat, the guys discuss the return of offensive linemen Evan Brown and Kelvin Beachum, outside linebacker Baron Browning plus two key pieces on special teams, Joey Blount and Aaron Brewer; all were high on the list of players Craig and Zach wanted to see back in a Cardinals uniform. Also, Zach’s been busy. He’s got a great story on Starling Thomas’ relationship with his mother, and he’s been keeping track of all the mock drafts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 857 - Whether it’s defensive end, defensive tackle or edge rusher - all perceived needs, by the way - the Cardinals will be able to find a player who can make an impact right away in this year’s draft. At least that’s the feeling from Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus, their lead NFL Draft analyst, who joined both Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck from the Scouting Combine last week in Indianapolis. Sikkema, like most, is very high on the depth of the defensive line class. In addition to the draft, the conversation with Sikkema included his thoughts on last year’s draft class and players like Max Melton and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson as well as Trey Benson who Sikkema believes can be part of “a great 1-2 duo” with James Conner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 856 - Successful teams are good at the line of scrimmage. That’s no surprise. It’s also not a surprise that many believe the Cardinals will be active in trying to add to their offensive and defensive lines this offseason, and more specifically, during the 2025 NFL Draft. That was the focus of a couple of different conversations Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck had while at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week. First, they chatted with NFL Network Host Rhett Lewis, who raved about the hire of Justin Frye, a college teammate of his at Indiana. Then, Lance Zierlein, NFL Network Draft Analyst, stopped by to discuss Paris Johnson Jr. Darius Robinson, and why targeting the defensive front with the 16th pick makes the most sense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 855 - In need of a defensive lineman? Or two? Want to upgrade the talent in the room? Add depth? Well, then you’re in luck because the 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with prospects who can help a team, and maybe even help right away. At least that’s the consensus from ESPN Draft Analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid, who joined both Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck from the Scouting Combine last week in Indianapolis. In addition to hearing from Miller and Reid in separate interviews, Craig and Dani shout-out Ron Wolfley. He announced on Friday that he’s stepping down as the Cardinals radio analyst after 20 years in the booth. It’s a loss, it’s a big loss. But good for Wolf.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 854 - Twice last season Charles Davis watched the Cardinals play from the network TV booth at State Farm Stadium. He was on the CBS call for a win against the Chicago Bears in Week 9 and a loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14. What did he see, what did he like, what does he feel is needed for the Cardinals to take the next step in Year 3 of GM Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon? Davis joined Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck from the 2025 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he’ll be part of the NFL Network’s coverage. Davis also gave his thoughts on Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and a secondary that is no longer just all about Budda Baker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 853 - More than 300 draft prospects are in Indianapolis this week for the 2025 Scouting Combine. So how does one separate themself within their position group? This week can help, but it always comes back to the film. And what do teams look at when watching the tape? For Dane Brugler of The Athletic, it’s more about their traits than how productive they were; in other words, don’t focus solely on a player’s statistics. Brugler joined Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck from Indy to discuss the combine, the draft and what positions are the deepest, and where the Cardinals are positioned with their first-round pick; plus, a look back at last year’s draft class of the Cardinals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.