The Arizona Cardinals will open training camp in just under a month and we will be able watch roster battles, position battles and starting battles. But even a month away from that, we can project what the starting lineup will look like, on both sides of the ball.

While it is early, here are some early projections for the defense.

Projected Arizona Cardinals starting lineup: Defense

Defensive line: Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson, Darius Robinson

Campbell is expecting a smaller role, but he will still be a starter. After not starting a game with the Cardinals as a rookie in 2008, he has only not started twice. His 242 career starts lead all active players.

Tomlin is another lock to start and the third spot is going to be fun to see. Will it be Robinson, a first-rounder last year, or could this year’s top pick, Walter Nolen III, earn that starting role. Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols have been starters their whole career as well.

But whatever the starting lineup looks like, a lot of guys will play.

Outside linebacker: Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins

Sweat is an obvious choice as the big-ticket free agent they signed this offseason. While perhaps Baron Browning or BJ Ojulari will compete for the other spot, Collins seems almost a shoo-in for the other spot in their base defense. Collins is an excellent run defender. If the Cardinals start a game in nickel, perhaps another guy will get the start instead of him, but expect to see Collins on the field when games begin.

Inside linebacker: Mack Wilson, Akeem Davis-Gaither

The question here is which will be the “Mike” and who will be the other position. Davis-Gaither was Cincinnati’s Mike for the final seven games of last season when Logan Wilson went down with an injury. Wilson can do it, but his versatility as a guy who can also line up at the edge might make Davis-Gaither the better fit, so Wilson can be position-flexible.

Cornerbacks: Star Thomas, Max Melton, Garrett Williams (nickel)

Here is where there will be competition. Williams perhaps remains as the designated slot corner. Will second-round rookie Will Johnson crack the starting lineup? My guess is he will do what Melton did last year. Melton played a lot but rotated in for Thomas and Sean Murphy-Bunting. Thomas and Melton will get the starting nods, but Johnson will play a lot and perhaps pass one of them in the lineup later in the season.

Safeties: Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson

There is no real competition here. However, watch out for a potential move with Thompson if the Cardinals think Rabbit Taylor-Demerson is ready for a full-time role and they like the depth behind them. Otherwise, it will remain JT and Budda.

Special teams projections

Kicker: Chad Ryland

The Cardinals didn’t re-signed Matt Prater. They don’t have another kicker in the building.

Punter: Blake Gillikin

They made no effort to sign another punter.

Long snapper: Aaron Brewer

He is back for his ninth year with the team.

Kick returners: DeeJay Dallas, Greg Dortch

Punt returner: Greg Dortch

There is no reason to believe they are going to make changes here.

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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: The Cardinals’ projected starting defense, special teams for 2025