May 8, 2025 • 45 mins
Ep. 715 - After falling to the Cardinals in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, former Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has a lot to prove. Johnson joins Paul Calvisi to talk about being selected by the Cardinals, playing in a system that fits his talents, his confidence on the field, studying Patrick Peterson highlights and what it was like guarding Marvin Harrison Jr. in rivalry games between Michigan and Ohio State. Plus, Calvisi and Ron Wolfley talk about the potential impact of 4th-round rookie LB Cody Simon and which returning Cardinals might be poised to make a big leap in 2025.
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Strap on the boots and scrape up.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
The knuckles and ahead.
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He got jacked.
Speaker 3 (00:06):
This is the Big Red Rage presented by santan Ford
and Gilbert.
Speaker 4 (00:12):
Terry's gonna score touchdown Slam to the ground by Buddha
Baker like a torpedo.
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He came flying into the backfield.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
The rage is brought to you by santan Ford and Gilbert.
Right on the Price, right on the corner of the
sand Tan two to two Freeway.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
In Valves WAA Crab by Tray McBride.
Speaker 3 (00:33):
That was spectacular and by Arizona Cardinals Podcast. Visit Azycardinals
dot Com Slash podcast.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
All Right, Seas Rising Uard.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Dom You Rising Vision Flurry Rage, take it over. Here's
Paul CALVICI I'm ready. I'm one hundred percent ready.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
I'm telling you I'm ready.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
And Ron Wolfley.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
It doesn't get any better than that.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
The field tis the season for lists, you know, in
between the NFL Draft and the schedule release which is
next Wednesday. By the way, we got you covered there,
we get a lot of lists and wolf no one
cares if you ask for him or not. You're gonna
get him and you're gonna enjoy them.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Okay, that's right, Paul. It is the season of list broadcasting.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
In fact, once again, you didn't ask for this either.
I'm gonna give you a quick no huddle recap right
off the top here on the Big Red Rage presented
by santan Ford and Gilbert. It'll culminate with tonight's guest,
are you ready for this?
Speaker 1 (01:35):
No?
Speaker 2 (01:35):
Top ten breakout candidates entering year two? Number three right now,
Marvin Harrison Junior ding Top eight Bandwagons to hop on
something you know something about, grab the baton, Ron Wolfley.
Number three Arizona Cardinals, Top Bandwagons sixteen day three picks
who could compete to start? Number three Cody Simon. Oh,
(01:56):
we'll talk about him a little bit later at length.
He met the media today. And then six off season champions. Okay,
Cardinals were on the list. They stole my Rex Ryan Award.
I can't believe that. And then the ten perfect player
team fits according to NFL dot Com from the draft.
Number four Will Johnson, Arizona Cardinals and our guest tonight
(02:18):
on the Big Red Rage presented by santan Ford and Gilbert,
we are santan Ford, Paul Calvic here, Ron Wolfley there.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
Polly, did I tell you that Will Johnson was a
perfect scheme fit for the Arizona Cardinals? JG and Nick Rolis, Polly,
did I tell you that before the draft?
Speaker 2 (02:35):
You might have gone into deep detail on that? Yes, Wolf,
that is correct. Yes, and JG backed you up on
that after the draft. He real quick. And we're gonna
ask Will Johnson about this momentarily, but just give us
a quick recap. Why why is Will Johnson said? We
know he's a great player, he's a lot of skill.
Why is he a perfect fit?
Speaker 1 (02:53):
Yeah, he's a perfect fit because this is a guy
that can play man cover or this is a guy
who can play in his zone room. And you know that.
Jag of course and Nick rolls they love them a
little quarter coverage, they love the four deep, they love
some three deep as well. They'll play cover two. They'll
play a lot of zone that's what they'll do. And man,
(03:14):
you watch Will Johnson on tape. This is a guy
that has the inate ability, bully to play in a
zone room. I think that's where he's best is in
a zone room. Now listen, he can line up. He's
a big, strong guy, six' to two almost two hundred
pounds can line up over a wide receiver and play
some press man. Cover he holds up just fine, there
(03:35):
but he really excels in a zone. Room and that
takes a little bit of an inate ability to read
row combinations and know what the offense is trying to
do and anticipate what those row combinations might. Be and
from time to, time when you got a gambler out,
(03:56):
there he will jump those roue combinations come up with
a pick that Is Will. JOHNSON i think that is
the strength Of Will. Johnson he actually has the innate
ability to examine what these combinations could possibly be based
on down in, distance based on formation as, well and
(04:16):
then jump. IT i think this guy's got that ability,
man just like a What Everson walls and the ability
to do.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
That, paul we're gonna ask him How Walter, nolan the
first round, pick reached out to him right Ask Jonathan
gannon for his number and then reach out to him
right after the. Draft we'll talk about. THAT i love
How Will johnson is opted to wear the number Zero agent.
Zero to, me it's akin to an ink blot, test,
right sort of a, target sort of a target on
(04:44):
his chest as a Corner, heck by my, money he
might even be cornerback one coming out of this training.
Camp we'll see about. That we do Know Walter nolan
is gonna wear number ninety. Seven you gave us a
little thumbnail on who Is Will? Johnson, well how About
Rob frederickson The Red sea report this? Week who Is Walter?
Speaker 6 (05:02):
NOLAN i really thought he would be taken before then
because he is so explosive off the line of scrimmage
and he does play on the offensive side of the
line of. Scrimmage that's what he's known, for is just
that burst and getting off the. Ball and you, know
that's SOMETHING i think The cardinals sorely. Needed they sorely
lacked that the last few years from that defensive line.
(05:23):
Room there wasn't a disruptive force in there to really
kind of muck up the run game and what the
offensive line is trying to. Do somebody that just absolutely
disrupts the timing of things and looking at, film that's
What Walter nolan brings to this.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
Team, yeah, disruptor that's the word he. Used what else
would you add to, That Walter? Nolan what is possible
with this guy in this? Defense?
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Yeah WHEN i think of a, disruptor for the most, Part,
POLLY i think of a guy that is able to
penetrate and disrupt on blocking schemes during rundown. Situation i'm
talking about zone, schemes of, course or power schemes to
be able to. Penetrate because he gets off the ball so,
well he can absolutely destroy a rushing attempt or a rushing.
(06:09):
Play but it's also to me his ability to provide
interior pass rush That i'm most excited, about, Because, polly
it's been a long. Time it's been a. WHILE i
think since The Arizona cardinals have had a three. TECHNIQUE
a guy that lines up on the inside, right a
guy that lines up either over the center or the
(06:30):
guard and can actually penetrate and get up field and
get a little interior. PUSH i think the last guy
to do that was May well actually two and they played,
Together Darnell dockett And Kalais. CAMPBELL i Think Walter nolan
could be that.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
Guy, YEAH i was asking myself that same. QUESTION i,
Mean i'm having flashbacks To Kalis campbell a three sack
first half In, seattle absolutely game. Wrecking Russell wilson And
Pete carroll to your point about being. Disruptive you know
there were some flashes WITH Jj watt And Chandler jones
at combination a little, bit but, no you're, right and
(07:08):
to think of it before and after in that defensive
line room right. Now Darius, robinson, who by the, way
if you go To hazycardinals dot com and you check
out some of the offseason videos and the, pictures he
is definitely winning the. Offseason d rob Looks, Swoll, Dalvin,
tomlinson Kalais Justin, Jones Ball, Nichols Dante, STILL'S. Lj, collier
and then once Again Walter. Nolan Here's Adrian. Wilson remember
(07:29):
he spent the last decade or so The cardinals legend
in front offices breaking down, prospects and here's what he
told us On Cardinals cover. Two what he sees From nolan's.
Speaker 7 (07:37):
TAPE i saw. EXPLOSIVENESS i saw, TWITCH i saw, quickness
ability to. PENETRATE i saw a guy that could probably
be an eight to TEN sac guy in his career
in terms of being an interior pass, rusher but really starting,
OUT i think he's going to be in the, rotation
but that rotation is going to consist Of, Joshua Walter,
nolan Either Kalais campbell or somebody.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
Else And Dais.
Speaker 7 (08:00):
Robinson like that's a pretty good front flour to start
with in terms Of Rushna.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Passard and what's remarkable to me is the coaches in
the scouts say that he played a lot of snaps
for Ale miss last, Year like he didn't come off the.
Field he's definitely a three down defensive lineman and they
loved his. Motor Well, Wolf he's not going to get
nearly as many, Snaps so, yeah when when he does
get into the, Game i'm guessing he's going to be
coming off the ball with some force AND i mean
(08:27):
he's going to have energy to spare and burn based
on how they're going to use.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
HIM, pauli that is that is a great observation by.
YOU i maybe you were listening to my show today
as a matter of, fact because that's exactly WHAT i
was talking. About Walter, nolan first and, foremost you have
to look at. Him he's got everything you want from
a dynamic three. Technique he's got that, speed he's got that,
quickness he's got the, strength he's got the ability to
(08:54):
penetrate and be that. Guy he's got the nastiness that you.
Want Walter nolan is going to be. GOOD i think
because of. That first and, Foremost, secondly when you stop
and think about all the other guys that The Arizona
cardinals have in the defensive line, room it's not like
he's gonna have to go out there and take sixty
(09:16):
reps a, Game. Paul he's not gonna have to do.
THAT i Think Walter nolan is going to be, very
very fresh because of. That and not only, that it's
not like offensive coordinators and offensive line coaches are going
to be going into the first half of the season
facing The Arizona cardinals defense and saying That Walter, nolan
(09:37):
you've got to block that, guy because he's gonna have
to prove that he can be that, guy that he
can be the, disruptor that he can be consistently. Dominant
he's gonna have to prove that because you've Got Delvin
tomlinson you've got to, Block you've Got Kalais campbell that
you've got to. Block you got to block some of
(09:57):
these other guys that have already proved and they belong
in The National Football. League it's not like you're going
to go in the first week Of september or Even
september Into october and say we got to Block Walter
nolan or we're. Hosed that's not going to be the.
Case SO i think he's going to get the opportunity
to go off early in the season if he if
(10:20):
he makes that adjustment, quickly.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
Especially if he can stop the run. Right and, YES
i bring that up because you, know guys like me
And middlely you, know, geez you know how many sacks
is he going to have and affect the quarterback and all,
That And drew stand essentially made the same point you.
Did No, cardinals if they can stop the run with
four something that's been a challenge at times the last
couple of years because they've been depleted in that d line. Room,
(10:43):
remember according To Pro Football, Focus Walter, nolan the third
was the number two rated run stopping defensive lineman in the,
draft behind Only Mason graham Ole. Miss that defense finished
number one in run, defense number one in tackles for.
Loss so getting back to whether he's JUST i, mean
if he's disruptive and they can stop the run with,
(11:04):
four think of the possibilities that Gives nick rolis right
in scheming it.
Speaker 1 (11:07):
Up, Yeah And i'm just gonna tell you this quickly once. Again,
Man it's called, solid a solid look or a bear.
Front that's where you Have Delvin tomlinson over the, center
and then you could Have Darius robinson over one guard
And Walter nolan over the other and a couple of edge.
Guys no one Has Josh sweat and Bj. Ojelari.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
Lookout, yeah let that hang in the air AS i
remind The bird gang that guess what you can go
on the road this season With Cardinals Premiere travel hosted
By Cardinals. Legends packages are going to include, transportation, hotel, accommodations,
pregame tailgate, experience game, tickets and. More for all the,
details go to azycardstravel dot, com azcardstravel dot. Com all,
(11:49):
Right agent zero is. Next he's already joked there are
too Many Ohio State buckeys and the. Roster we'll talk
to The michigan man. Next on The Big Red rage
presented by Santan ford In Gilbert.
Speaker 8 (12:03):
And with the forty seventh pick in the twenty twenty
FIVE Nfl, draft The Arizona cardinals Select Will johnson Defensive.
Speaker 5 (12:12):
Michigan as the drafts going, on you, know coaches are
texting back and, forth not just our staff but other,
staffs you, know people he worked with or that you,
know and you make a, pick and certain coaches like
certain guys and like when we picked, him at him
literally like eight defensive coordinators text me, like oh my.
Speaker 9 (12:29):
God like number one going on the, board like blah blah.
Speaker 5 (12:32):
Blah, blah like they all want you know WHAT i.
Mean and for whatever, reason he came to, us and
just Like, walt we're excited to get to work with him.
Speaker 4 (12:40):
Too.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
MAN espn just rated the selection Of Will johnson as
the second best pick of the entire draft based on.
Value how about? That how about your head Coach Jonathan,
gannon who's a cornerback. Guy by the, WAY i don't
have to tell you about. That we'll GET jg here
in a. Minute it is The Big Red rage presented
By Santan forward And. Gilbert Will johnson is our. Guest
(13:02):
Will johnson is An arizona. Cardinal Will johnson is in THE.
Nfl how's all that sound to you?
Speaker 10 (13:07):
All it sounds.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
Amazing i'm just happy to be a. Cardinal when you
finally get that phone. Call, Right you've been waiting for,
It you've been working for it your entire. Life how
gratifying is? That in your draft VIDEO i saw you
you were tearing. Up, yeah had to be. Emotional, yeah super.
Speaker 10 (13:22):
EMOTIONAL i, mean especially how it went from. Me you,
know it's just.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
Just waiting that.
Speaker 10 (13:27):
Time you, know knowing you want to be on a,
team you want to accomplish up your. Dream you work
so hard to get to that. Point so just finally
getting to that point and get into a place like,
This so all of those coming, together it was like a.
Moment you can't even can't even really describe. It your
emotions just come out and got to just let him.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
Go can't help but notice all the family and. Friends
you had a big crowd in. There, yeah when you
saw the, videos you realize just how happy they were for.
You that had to have been really. Gratifying.
Speaker 10 (13:53):
YEAH i got a great support. SYSTEM i, mean they
were all at the draft with, Me so they went
there and then they came back home with me and
still supported me through through all of. It So i'm
so grateful for, them AND i know they'll be here
every step of the.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
Way all, Right so last week on The Big Red.
Rage the Assistant Jim Dave sears sat right in that
chair and we asked, him at what point did The
cardinals draft room, think did you realize That Will johnson
would be there at pick forty?
Speaker 9 (14:17):
Seven at pick forty, six you, know we never thought
that guy was going to be.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
There really never thought that guy was going to be.
Speaker 9 (14:24):
There so that was one of the ones where you
heard many talk a lot post draft about sticking to your.
Board that's a clear case of That will was obviously
the best player that we had on the board at that.
Time we never Thought will would be there at that,
point and so you, know you stayed with your board
and you take the.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Prospect you were asked during the conference, call was there
how convinced you are that you're going to be one
of the steals of the? Draft your, answer.
Speaker 10 (14:46):
Oh, man It's god's. Play, Man I'm i'm happy to
be A. Cardinal let's get to.
Speaker 2 (14:50):
Work how are you going to process, that because, look
you KNOW jg And money said. It you were a little,
frustrated you said. It Walter nolan reached out to, you,
right he, said, COACH i got. Him how are you
going to use that as. Motivation will you use?
Speaker 10 (15:03):
That, YEAH i feel like it'll be in the back
of my head EVERYTHING i do for the rest of my,
career the rest of my. LIFE i always had that
chip on my. Shoulder you, know everyone doubted, me everyone
conmed me. Out SO i got to go out there
and prove it and do it with The.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
Cardinals, now tell us about your connection With Walter.
Speaker 10 (15:17):
Noltan, yeah we met in high. School we were both getting.
Recruited you, KNOW i was committed To michigan pretty, early
SO i was doing EVERYTHING i can to get him To.
Michigan we had a few of The memphis guys on the,
team SO i used to do a lot of things
try to Get walker to, come and so we got real.
Close it didn't work, out but we're here, now so it's.
Perfect speaking To.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
Michigan you had more pick sixes than you had touchdown catches?
Allowed is that a type? Out was that? Accurate, na
that's super. Accurate so as someone who's been down on
that field before years, AGO i won't even tell you
of the year it Was, Michigan Notre. Dame one hundred
and ten thousand plus. People when you're racing down the
length of the field with a pick. Six what does
that feel?
Speaker 10 (15:54):
Like just another one of those moments that you can't
you kind of just black, out like it can't even.
Describe ALL i remember is singing the, ball catching, it
taking a few, steps and then, celebrating and then about.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
Midfield you're running On eric, properly, Right, yeah exactly what
are you going to remember in terms of the matchups
in your college? Career Will johnson as our Guests cardinals.
Cornerback you Heard Patrick peterson earlier, THERE i Mean PAT
p would talk about how in college he battled Aj,
Green Julio. Jones who are some of the matchups you're
gonna remember from your college career that you'll never?
Speaker 10 (16:26):
Forget, yeah, Obviously, marvin we had a few. Matchups that's
probably my biggest Matchup i've had in. College Romo doomsay
faced him in a national. CHAMPIONSHIP i played guys Like Kean,
Coleman Jayden. Reid, wow there's a few, more but, yeah.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
That national title, game true or? False best game you've ever?
Played you? Were you were the DEFENSIVE mvp in That
national championship.
Speaker 10 (16:51):
Game, YEAH i THINK i played, well BUT i don't
think that's the best GAME i ever, played THOUGH i
THINK i got a few more out there that they
weren't the, natty SO i couldn't WIN, mvp but, YEAH
i THINK i had a few more bet that were.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Better one word to hear in your skinner reports. Instinct
do you agree with? That and how much of that
is a byproduct of film work or are you born with?
That mix it?
Speaker 10 (17:11):
Both, uh and you work at it. TOO i think definitely.
Film you, know film allows you to anticipate and kind
of know what's coming sometimes and allow you to let
those instincts. Show but you definitely got to have that
just a little bit of that guy given ability to
just trust it and be able to react to it
in that short of a time and see it and
(17:31):
react and all that at a fast Paced SO i
think it all ties together to, film the practice and
then just the guy giving.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
Ability Jonathan gannett has mentioned more than once you're a
perfect scheme fit for The Arizona cardinals based on what
you know of this of this. Defense what makes you
a good fit for The. Cardinals this defense is it's.
Speaker 10 (17:52):
AMAZING i, Mean i've been diving into it a little
bit so, far AND i Can't, wait they do a
lot of great. Things they're very corner corner FRIENDLY dB,
friendly and they a lot of the guys to go
out there and make plays and feel comfortable doing. It
So i'm excited to get to work and get comfortable in.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
IT jg asks a lot of his. Cornerbacks you're aware of, that,
Right he expects him to tackle or do you consider
yourself someone who's gonna come up and lay the? Lumber,
yeah most, definitely, okay and he considers the thinking man's
position as. Well there's some pretty exotic coverages and so.
FORTH i, mean do you look forward to that sort of, Challenge,
yeah for.
Speaker 10 (18:27):
SURE I mean we did a lot of that in college,
too in this scheme and the SYSTEM i was. In
SO i feel Like i'm pretty comfortable doing multiple things
in the variety of. Things and that's why you Said
i'm fit for his.
Speaker 2 (18:37):
Defense your dad PLAYED dB At. Michigan how instrumental has
your father been in your?
Speaker 10 (18:42):
Career he's been. EVERYTHING i, mean he's taught me. Everything
he's been there every step of the, way and you,
know he kind of just nurtured me into the PLAYER
i am and just guided me through this whole.
Speaker 2 (18:51):
Process, really where'd you get better in your three years
At Michigan from the time you started to right, now
where do you think you improve the?
Speaker 10 (18:58):
Most definitely mentally just knowledge of the, game knowledge of,
defenses offenses and schemes and how just, football knowledge of actual.
Football you, know high school is just you go out
there and play press man in every rep and go.
Dominate but in college you got to be able to
really think to do those plays that you were talking,
About you got to really be able to think it
(19:19):
through and, anticipate anticipate in see formations and all those
types of. Things SO i would say that the mental
part of the game is the THING i picked up the.
Speaker 2 (19:27):
Most is that in your repertoire press, Man cardinals don't
necessarily do a ton of, it but at fast to
is that something you're confident?
Speaker 1 (19:33):
In yeah for.
Speaker 10 (19:34):
SURE i MEAN i love playing it, all so, pressman offman's.
Own whatever it is they want me to, Do i'm
ready to do.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
It, Hey Patrick peterson was a master at. That you
said you used to watch some of his. Highlights, yeah
when you were a kid all the. Time what stood?
Out what do you think you what did you what
do you admire about his.
Speaker 10 (19:50):
GAME i think just his, versatility the way he was
able to go out there and shut people, down still
gonna make plays on the, ball in the, air return,
punch just just do every everything and be such a
dynamic player at. Corner you, know as a kid watching,
that that's, like that's what you want to go do.
Too so it's.
Speaker 2 (20:06):
True you don't see many corners traveling, anymore playing both
sides inside and, out and he did all that. Well
johnson is our. Guy, sorry what do you remember from
your two games Against Marvin Harrison.
Speaker 10 (20:14):
JUNR i remember he's A he's he's the best SHIP
i ever. Faced SO i mean we had we went
back and. Forth, YEAH i would just say it was
just a great. Matchup it was a challenging, matchup you,
know the Most i've been challenged on that. Level So
I'm i'm excited to go be challenged every day. Now
that's gonna that's only gonna get both of us better
and help us On.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
Sundays IF i did a pull of cornerbacks going Against
Marvin Harrison, junior what do you think they would? Cite?
What what's the best part of his? Game what's what
are his strengths to.
Speaker 10 (20:44):
Me it's the mix of size. Quickness you, know a
lot of guys that have his sides aren't as agile
and quick as he still. Is SO i would say
the mix of that and obviously the ball skills he.
Has so the mix of all of that coming together
with his size and skill is it's.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Different how much better can you get in practice going
against the top flight? Receiver Denzel burke went against five
first round receivers over his career At Ohio.
Speaker 10 (21:07):
State, yeah that's, Crazy, yeah for. Sure that.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
Is by the, Way detroit is on my birth, certificate
SO i saw a gross point south there for people
who need to know the end Of Grand, terno you,
know get off my lawn With Clint eastwood right where
they're driving Along Lake Shore drive at the very end
of the Movie Lake Saint, Clair, right it's basically that, area, Right, Okay, Okay,
well we look forward to. IT i, mean and you'll
probably connect With Darius, robinson Another, detroiter so he's saw
(21:35):
him in the Nice, okay all, Right, will welcome To,
arizona and we look forward to your career as An arizona.
Speaker 10 (21:40):
Cardinal thank you me.
Speaker 2 (21:41):
Too all, right there you. Go Will johnson everyone will
continue with A Big Red rage presented by san Tan
ford And gilbert talking about The Arizona cardinals draft class
and the off season as we near the schedule release next.
Week on The Big Red rage presented by Santan ford And, Gilbert.
Speaker 3 (22:07):
Cody, simon that's a lot and none and walk sacked
again third.
Speaker 2 (22:12):
Time Cody simon.
Speaker 11 (22:14):
Had a chance to drop, back decided to stay and
Pick Cody simon, There Ohio State CAPTAIN Blocko. Award impressive,
kid you, know call the defense for, them and you
know we're excited to add.
Speaker 3 (22:27):
Him is dragged down immediately By Cody simon and down he.
Speaker 2 (22:32):
Goes Cody simon is taking.
Speaker 9 (22:34):
Proof throughout the, year he had really strong playoffs and
he certainly has command of the. Team and so when
you have a command of an elite defense like, that
that says something about your character or your knowledge because
they're not just going to look to. Anybody those guys
are all high level players that turn to this guy
to give him.
Speaker 7 (22:47):
Directions so that's a big.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Factor, yeah that green, dot can he keep wearing that green?
Dot just take it off The Ohio state, helmet put
it on The cardinals. Helmet could number fifty another perfect
fit for a number in my, opinion And Cody simon
come in and be a starter as a, rookie as
A day three rookie. Wolf the numbers say a year
ago there were one hundred and fifty Seven day three
(23:10):
selections and eleven eleven started eight or more. Games in
twenty twenty, three there were Ten day three picks who
started eight or more, games and then the year before
twenty twenty, two there were Sixteen day three picks who
started eight or more games minus kysi Are. White what
do you think About Cody? Simon is he at least
in the? Running is he a legitimate? Candidate do you
(23:32):
think considering all his experience and he's coming off his
sixteen game season all the way to The national championship
With Ohio state where he called that, defense what do
you think do you put him in the? Mix here
Come cardinals.
Speaker 1 (23:42):
Camp, yeah that is a great, Question, Pauli it really.
Is first of, all they're gonna let him. Compete there's
no doubt about. That, okay from a physical, standpoint, yes
he's going to be in the. MIX i just wonder
if he can adopt and adapt to the game of
THE nfl where you've got all of this. Complexity it's
(24:04):
not just, compound it's, complex is what it. Is And
i'm just wondering if he can adapt to that quickly
enough to wear the green dot from week? One could
you convince, Me paully that at some point in time
he's gonna wear the green? Dot he will wear the
green dot at some point in the. Season, yes you
(24:25):
could his rookie. Year i'll buy. That, yet at the same,
time if you're telling me he's coming out of training
camp in week one wearing the green, dot that really
is a tall order right.
Speaker 2 (24:37):
There, yeah it's really. Interesting in, fact on The Red
Sea Report drew stan was on, recently and we pose
that same question to the Former cardinals quarterback On simon's
ability to become the starting mike.
Speaker 12 (24:48):
Linebacker the track record that exists In Ohio state gives
you confidence that he is going to be prepared and
make that. Jump and you look at the defense that
he was. Running it was a complicated. Defense get in
everybody lined. Up that's what the responsibility of the mike linebacker.
Is you set the, front you make the strength. Call
everything is predicated on. That the front has to match the.
(25:09):
Coverage so a guy that's been, there done that is
going to be the green dot, Eventually hopefully it happens
sooner rather than, later because everybody plays off of.
Speaker 2 (25:18):
It he's a four time Academic All Big ten, Selection Cody,
simon all, right so so not only FOOTBALL. Iq he's
a bright dude period the Other.
Speaker 1 (25:28):
But you, know, poll it's not just about his capacity
mentally as. Well it's not just about. That it also
is about, experience, true and and that's the thing that,
again it doesn't mean he can't do the. Job it
just means these are things you've got to think about
when you evaluate whether or not he could come in
(25:48):
from week one and wear the green.
Speaker 2 (25:50):
Dot and we had the debate and for, example we
hash it out Like Kyle shanahan and all the eye candy,
Right sean McVeigh and everything he does and all the
in trying to reveal and just you, know so that's
no doubt that's a. Challenge But drew stan didn't make the, Point,
well if you fortified your defensive front to the point
(26:12):
where you're only gonna rush for maybe you're playing a
much more simple. Scheme in year three Under Nick, ross
maybe the necessity isn't there to get exotic and dial
it up because you have dudes, now, YEAH jg And Nick.
ROSS i think they like to keep an offense on their,
heels so they're not gonna get vanilla and they'll never
use that. Word but maybe it's not as complex and
(26:34):
complicated as years.
Speaker 1 (26:35):
Past that's, RIGHT. PAULI i mean one of those areas,
too it'd be the defensive front that they love to.
Use they love to use that bare front with two
edge players as, well where they cover the three interior offensive.
Linemen maybe they don't have to do that as. Much
maybe they will do it to try to actually generate
(26:55):
an awful lot of, Pressure but it really is a
situation where you've got a map the scheme to the
skulls that you have on the. Field And Cody simon
is a guy THAT i think is going to be
able to handle that mental acuity that he needs to
in order to go out and make the calls. Defensively
yet at the same, time that's no. Guarantee that's a
(27:18):
mountain to.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
Climb So Cody simon a lot Like Will, johnson really
decorated in The Big. Ten he was thirteen all big
ten Led Ohio state with one hundred and twelve. Tackles
he was third among ALL d one linebackers in terms
of his run defense. Grades he was a team. Captain
he was The National Title game DEFENSIVE, mvp just Like Will,
(27:39):
johnson our guest in the last. Episode here the last
segment of The Big Red, rage presented by Santan ford And.
Gilbert he's been described as a late, bloomer but, man
he played some of his best ball in the playoffs
in college football and then his head, Coach Ryan, day
in a, tweet called him, tough, accountable the highest of,
character and he was one of the big leaders on
(28:02):
that team as a team. Captain and here's What Cody
simon had to say earlier today when he was asked
what does being a leader mean to?
Speaker 8 (28:08):
HIM i put leadership in three different. Things it's being, seen,
heard and. Felt seeing you do the right thing all the.
Time you're the person that they can look to to
do the right. Thing you're heard you you're the vocal,
leader you can motivate and. Inspire and then felt is the,
emotion you, know the passion that you can play with
that others can look to and you know LIKE i can.
Feel it's not, tangible but it's something out. There so
(28:30):
that stuff is stuck with me all through college and
helped me be a better.
Speaker 2 (28:33):
Leader, seen, heard and. Felt that's, It.
Speaker 1 (28:38):
Paul that is so.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
Good it's well.
Speaker 1 (28:41):
Said it really is right, there because once, again you
KNOW i say this all the, TIME a leader has
got to do before he can. Say he's got to
do before he can. Say and that's what he's talking.
About you, know you've got to be, seen of, course
and you have to. Hear in other, words once you
are and you're doing, now you can actually start. Talking
(29:04):
and also fell. Too it's all three. Phases. MAN i
love that From Cody simon right, there and it's so.
Accurate so spot, on you got to do first and then,
say and your best leaders always do, first and then, say.
Speaker 2 (29:21):
Okay, Look i'm not going to get over my skis.
Here he's not going to walk in as a round
four rookie and get voted to team. Captain but can?
Lead can he call a? Defense, Yeah, canny can he
call a defense as a? Rookie is that? Realistic BECAUSE
i look at this dep shot right, now, wolf And
i'm not seeing an automatic surefire replacement For Kayzer, white
(29:42):
AND i just tend to think he's going to be
given every chance to win the.
Speaker 1 (29:46):
Job, NO i think you're right about that. Ball but,
again there's a big difference in wearing the green dot
and knowing it intellectually going out onto a football field
week one and calling the, defense and then going out
out in totally understanding the. Defense and that is a big.
Responsibility it really, Is. Paul i've said this to you
(30:07):
in the, past but the most difficult POSITION i think
for any rookie to come in and play is the
mike linebacker. Position. Wow this is something that we have
talked about many times in the. Past it's just like
being a full back in an. Offense, Paul you've got
to know. Everything, No, Paul you've got to know everything
the running game and the past protection. Scheme as a full,
(30:30):
back you had to know it. All just, Saying, paul
the two most difficult positions other than quarterback to come
in and play full back And mike. Linebacker, okay just
so you, Know and it's because of all the mental
things that you have to know and understand about this
game as.
Speaker 2 (30:48):
Well and, LOOK i think they're going to get an,
idea at least, initially is he swimming in rookie mini,
camp then they're going to get then they get into,
OTAs then they get into the mandatory Minim but if
he's keeping, up and they'll be able to know where
is he in the playbook and they can do things
in practice with some crazy looks on, offense how do you?
(31:09):
Adjust are you making the? Checks can you make the?
Calls you? Know because that's something that the guy's raved
about the Moment Kaizer white showed up two years Ago
Buddha baker And. Company like, man he gets the calls
out so. Quick he, reads he, recognizes he spits it.
Out he gives us that extra half second to get in.
Position that kind of stuff can be. Critical so if
if he can handle, that THEN i think he'll be
(31:30):
given every opportunity AND i think they'll be able to
discern at least through mandatory mini. Camp all, right is
he flailing and failing and swimming? Mentally or and then
if soul, okay maybe you go and you sign a
guy off the street with. Experience here's my other question for,
You wolf, cornerback Because Denzel, burke his, teammate comes in
with fifty one career starts In ohio state. History we
(31:52):
just talked To Will johnson on this edition to The
Big Red. Rage think of that, Room think Of Max,
Melton round two, High round two pick a year, ago
made real strides In december And, January Garrett williamszier Starting.
Nickel we're not debating That Starling thomas has started nearly
two dozen games in two. Years and Then Sean murphy,
bunting the, veteran highly Paid how do you handicap the
(32:14):
cornerback race right?
Speaker 1 (32:15):
Now, yeah you, know it's very similar to the interior
defensive line and actually the front seven period for The Arizona.
Cardinals the, improvement the competition that is going to, Exist
paully once training camp, opens and we'll really OTAs Once OTA's.
Opens but you, know until the pads go, on you're
really not going to be able to make that, difference
(32:38):
that difference between one young guy and another young. Guy
but the competition will unfold right before you in those two,
rooms specifically the defensive line room and the corner back.
Room oh my, GOODNESS i can't even believe how jam
packed that room. Is that was looked at going into last.
(32:59):
Season as a. Weakness now we know it wasn't because
Of Garrett. Williams we know it wasn't because Of Max
melton and because Of Star. Thomas those three guys in,
particular they stepped up and they solidified that secondary by
playing so well at the corner. Position and now you're
gonna add more competition to that. Room talking about A
(33:21):
Will Johnson denzel Burke, man is this is gonna be
an area of competition in training.
Speaker 2 (33:28):
Camp if The cardinals come out in the first month
and they are flying on. DEFENSE i think it'll be
a direct byproduct Of cardinals, camp which is gonna be really.
COMPETITIVE i could see that just carrying over directly huge
ball into the regular. Season Ab for the first to
see The cardinals twenty twenty five schedule when it gets Released,
Wednesday may, fourteenth go To easycardinals dot com slash schedule
(33:50):
for all the opponents more. Info all, right we'll come.
Back Marvin Arrison. Junior what do the coaches want to?
See that's? Next on the Big Red.
Speaker 13 (33:57):
Rage throws end zone in his caught, Touchdown pope takes
the staff play fake brawling.
Speaker 2 (34:08):
Left Has pope lopped To.
Speaker 13 (34:10):
Tom touchdown wide Open pope in the end.
Speaker 2 (34:13):
Zone pope is wide open fires and that has caught
and that's a. Touchdown. Pope his second.
Speaker 7 (34:21):
One, Today pope wide open down the middle of the.
Speaker 2 (34:24):
Field pope stretching and diving and.
Speaker 9 (34:28):
Scoring pope now with four touchdowns on the, ear kiss the.
Speaker 2 (34:31):
Ring that's good. Stuff right there are Jim amahundro dipping
into his vast, archives Passion wolf calling multiple touchdown catches
From Leonard. POPE i looked it.
Speaker 4 (34:45):
Up.
Speaker 2 (34:45):
Wolf he played three years for The. Cardinals just a
refresher two thousand and, six seven and. Eight, yes he
went to The Super. Bowl eleven career touchdown catches five
and two thousand and seven alone on twenty three. Receptions
that's a pretty good percentage right, there the red zone.
Threat that was six foot eight tight End Leonard pope
for The cardinals once upon a. Time, Yeah and of
(35:07):
course that's in honor Of Pope, leo the First American.
Pope and you, know it's interesting SOMEWHERE i have an
Old Chicago cardinals. PENNANT i need to like take the
the s off That chicago, cardinal you, know sixty nine
year Old chicago, native the First american, Pope Pope Leo
white smoke earlier today and so that is the big,
news and in honor of, that we bust out the
(35:29):
flashback To Leonard, Pope paul Kelvc ron wolfleet is the it.
Is it is the Big Red rage presented By Santan
ford In gilbert Will johnson was our guest. Earlier guess
what he's gonna match up Against Marvin Harrison junior again
this time in practice man after two games against each,
Other Ohio state Against. Michigan that is called good on good,
(35:52):
iron sharpening iron and. Wolf we've Seen Marvin Harrison junior
his name on some of these breakout players. Lists, yeah
in your, opinion what has to happen For Marvin Harrison
junior to take that next step in year?
Speaker 1 (36:06):
Two, Paul he's just got to Get he's just got
to get more. Comfortable that's what he's got to. DO i, mean,
honestly right, NOW i look at this and with this
kid's work ethic what it is and the fact that
he had eight hundred and eighty five receiving yards last
year and eight. Touchdowns once, AGAIN i keep coming back to.
That do we know that he could be? Better? YES
(36:26):
i think our expectations going into his rookie season was
just so off the. Charts it was so. High And
i'm looking at myself on that. One even THOUGH i
typically look at a rookie with a skeptical, EYE i
was looking At Marvin Harrison junior like he was going
to come in from day one and he was going
to light the. Lamp, now, listen that didn't. Happen, yet
(36:46):
he had a very very good. Year when we talk
about a breakout, season you, know eight touchdowns is. Good
that's a good year for a lot of wide. Receivers
eight touchdowns and eight hundred and eighty five. Yards so
if we're talking about a true breakout season this year
For Marvin Harrison, junior where does that number? Start? Paul
(37:07):
is that eleven hundred yards? Receiving is that what you're
gonna say is? Breakout is it twelve? Hundred is? It twelve?
Touchdowns thirteen? TOUCHDOWNS i, mean, yeah this, kid the groundwork is.
There it. Is but, man if he grows from year
one to year, two the way that Multiple cardinal rookies
(37:28):
have that have been drafted UNDER monti assin for if he, grows,
man it's gonna be.
Speaker 2 (37:35):
Good you know, what and we've talked about, This we've
talked about the contested. CATCH i think the other WORD
i threw out there is, consistency which is one of
the biggest challenges for any. Rookie and for, EXAMPLE nfl
Dot com put out their ten Notable year two players
or a pois for a breakout, Campaign Marvin Arrison junior number,
(37:55):
three and they cited and this is a good reminder
that there were seven games where he is held to
fewer than forty yards. Receiving so if you can get
that consistency and then with, that the numbers will come
obviously and will compile over a seventeen game.
Speaker 1 (38:10):
Season, Paulie i've said this in the, Past, MAN i,
have BUT i will continue to say. It if in,
Fact Kyler murray And Marvin Harrison junior they improve their
chemistry the way THAT i think they're going to improve
their chemistry in terms of being able to throw the
ball down the field And Marvin Harrison junior going up
and making plays on the, ball high pointing the ball
(38:32):
and catching it contested, catches if that improves the way
THAT i think that it should improve in year, Two,
paul there couldn't be a more powerful impact to The
Arizona cardinals winning games because that will set off a
chain reaction that they can throw the ball down the
Field paully and all of a sudden attack that. Secondary
(38:54):
it's going to open up everything. Underneath of, course For
trey McBride even that much. More and it's going to
Help James connor as, well because they're not going to
be able to just jam up the box and single
up somebody on the outside On Marvin Harrison. Junior they're
not going to be able to do. It so all
of it works. Together and if they're able to do, That,
(39:15):
paul that's going to be the biggest improvement The cardinals
could have going into next.
Speaker 2 (39:20):
Season, well when you said, CHEMISTRY i just threw my
fist into the. Air, dang because that was the fourth
seed THAT i was waiting. For, remember at the end
of last, season we came up with a four, seeds
sort of like buying a, diamond, RIGHT.
Speaker 1 (39:31):
I, Don't, PAUL i don't.
Speaker 2 (39:32):
Remember contested consistency chemistry With. Kyler kyler cited that himself
late last. Season, confidence, okay and then with confidence we
now go To Drew Terrell Wide receivers coach passing game
coordinator this late last. Season this is a really insightful,
interview really well, said and he was asked what he
(39:54):
wants to see From Marvin Harrison junior this.
Speaker 4 (39:56):
OFFSEASON i think what's gonna come naturally is He i'm
gonna be, like all, Right i'm in THE. Nfl this
is What i've worked my whole life, for and this
is what it. Is when you're working your way up
to this.
Speaker 2 (40:06):
Level it's always like.
Speaker 4 (40:07):
ALMOST i don't want to say you're putting too much
weight into, it but it's kind of like, this like
there's an expectation of what it's supposed to be. Like
SO i HOPE i see him in this offseason exhale and,
like all, Right I'm Marvin Harrison. Junior i'm a bad
mother and they gotta feel. Me next Time i'm out.
Speaker 2 (40:23):
There i'm dictating to. THEM i don't have to adjust.
Anybody i'm, Stinking Marvin Harrison. Junior i'm setting the tone.
Here i'm dictating things out in this. Field you Heard
Will johnson earlier in this episode Of The Big Red
rage where HE'S i asked him about. Matchups the first
name he said in his college Career Marvin Harrison, junior
and he's gone against a lot of first round receivers
(40:43):
in his three years At, Michigan so so Can Marvin Harrison.
Junior see this is my. Opinion now have that, confidence,
yes to be that dog and be that guy and
then take it to the next.
Speaker 1 (40:55):
LEVEL, Pauli, no you're right on this. Thing you really.
Are think about. It i've experienced myself bully going into
your rookie. YEAR i don't care how confident you.
Speaker 6 (41:04):
ARE i don't.
Speaker 1 (41:04):
KNOW i don't care how much acclaim they have piled on.
YOU i really don't care what your ability or talent level.
Is when you go into that rookie, year you're saying
to yourself when it's really dark and it's about two
thirty in the morning and it's you and you're just
staring at the ceiling at, night you think to, Yourself,
(41:27):
MAN i THINK i can play in THE. NFL i
THINK i can do. This year, two after you get
year one, in you're, SAYING i KNOW i can do.
THIS i KNOW i. Belong and last, year when you
look At Marvin Harrison junior and what he accomplished in
the production Of Marvin Harrison, junior to, me he proved
to himself that he could play in THE. Nfl now
(41:49):
it's about taking that next. Step where is that? CEILING
i don't, know BUT i Think Marvin Harrison junior is
going to get closer to that ceiling in year.
Speaker 2 (41:59):
Two here's the other. Thing last year he spent a
season going Against Sauce, Gardner Devin witherspoon, twice, who by the,
way is a two Time All pro former fifth pick
two years ago By Seattle. Right he went Against Jalen
ramsey actually torched him quite a bit in the second
half of that game At. Miami Jalen, johnson who's highly
paid The bears. CORNER i, mean he went against a
(42:21):
lot of, dudes premiere. Corners and what Did Frank sanders
tell us a couple of months ago here on The
Big Red, Rage he, said you know what my rookie,
year guess WHAT i Had Rob moore's wide receiver. One
Larry fitzgerald even had An Kwon bolden his first year
as wide receiver. One HIS q was coming off a
ridiculous rookie, campaign and the only team you really saw
a single Up Marvin Arrison junior all of last season
(42:43):
were The rams In week two and what did he?
Do he had a full game in the first quarter
till they made. Adjustments.
Speaker 1 (42:49):
Yeah you know what's so great about this, Too, paully
is the emergence Of trey. McBride, yes the emergence Of
trey McBride as maybe the best tight end in The
national Fur Ball league right. Now the reason WHY i
say that is because a defensive coordinator is going to
go into that game and he's going to, say, boy
there are two things we've got to. Do we have
(43:09):
to Stop James. Connor we have to stop The Arizona
cardinals from running the. Ball and we got to Cover trey.
McBride we got to cover eighty. Five we have to do.
That going into a, GAME i think that is going
to be where the attention is really focused on from.
Defenses and because of, THAT i think, Again Marvin Harrison
(43:30):
junior is going to get the opportunity until he starts
torching some. Defenses he's going to get the opportunity to
go out and have to prove. It so we'll see
how he.
Speaker 2 (43:40):
Responds so do you consider wide receiver to a need
or a want at this?
Speaker 1 (43:45):
Point, YEAH PAULI i consider it a. Want and the
reason WHY i say that is because Of trey McBride
number number, One number two is BECAUSE i Believe Marvin
Harrison junior is going to get. Better And i'm talking
about down the. Field i'm talking about running by, somebody
not using his speed so, much but running by somebody
where it's a fifty to fifty throw up ball and
(44:07):
he goes up and he makes it more of an eighty.
Twenty that's What i'm expecting to throw the ball down
the field and be effective doing. It SO i would
have to, say, YEAH i think that's more of a.
Want Paul.
Speaker 2 (44:19):
Yeah and Then Zay, jones what's he like in year?
Two you know it was interrupted obviously last year the
start of his. Season you, Know Greg dortch finished. Strong
did they figure something else out? There but once, again
The cardinals were top five in explosive run. Plays last.
Year they were in the bottom third of the league
in explosive pass. Plays if they can add the explosive
(44:39):
pass plays to this, offense that to me is what
unlocks everything because they have almost every other, aspect yes
of a potent. Offense, hey get ready for the twenty
twenty five season with the latest gear from The cardinals team.
Shop oh you got to check out the recently Drop
Marvin irrison junior. Jerseys go To easycardinals Dot com slash
Shop ezycardinals Dot com slash. SHOP a special thanks as
(45:02):
Always jim Al, Monroe Cody, Fincher Matt lazarus For Ron
wolfley On PAUL. calBC special thanks To Will johnson for
joining us The round two. Pick As phase two of
the off season is. Underway it is The Big Red
rage presented by Santan ford In.
Speaker 3 (45:17):
Gilbert you've been listening To The Big Red rage presented
by Santan ford And gilbert right on the, price right
on the corner of The santan two to Two freeway In.
Speaker 2 (45:31):
Valvesta The rage is.
Speaker 3 (45:34):
Brought to you By Arizona Cardinals. Podcast Visit azycardinals dot
com slash.
Speaker 1 (45:40):
Podcast we're gonna see a little big red rage football right.
Speaker 3 (45:44):
Here this has been an exclusive presentation of The Arizona
Cardinals Football.
Speaker 2 (45:48):
Club
Strap on the boots and scrape up.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
The knuckles and ahead.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
He got jacked.
Speaker 3 (00:06):
This is the Big Red Rage presented by santan Ford
and Gilbert.
Speaker 4 (00:12):
Terry's gonna score touchdown Slam to the ground by Buddha
Baker like a torpedo.
Speaker 5 (00:17):
He came flying into the backfield.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
The rage is brought to you by santan Ford and Gilbert.
Right on the Price, right on the corner of the
sand Tan two to two Freeway.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
In Valves WAA Crab by Tray McBride.
Speaker 3 (00:33):
That was spectacular and by Arizona Cardinals Podcast. Visit Azycardinals
dot Com Slash podcast.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
All Right, Seas Rising Uard.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Dom You Rising Vision Flurry Rage, take it over. Here's
Paul CALVICI I'm ready. I'm one hundred percent ready.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
I'm telling you I'm ready.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
And Ron Wolfley.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
It doesn't get any better than that.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
The field tis the season for lists, you know, in
between the NFL Draft and the schedule release which is
next Wednesday. By the way, we got you covered there,
we get a lot of lists and wolf no one
cares if you ask for him or not. You're gonna
get him and you're gonna enjoy them.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Okay, that's right, Paul. It is the season of list broadcasting.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
In fact, once again, you didn't ask for this either.
I'm gonna give you a quick no huddle recap right
off the top here on the Big Red Rage presented
by santan Ford and Gilbert. It'll culminate with tonight's guest,
are you ready for this?
Speaker 1 (01:35):
No?
Speaker 2 (01:35):
Top ten breakout candidates entering year two? Number three right now,
Marvin Harrison Junior ding Top eight Bandwagons to hop on
something you know something about, grab the baton, Ron Wolfley.
Number three Arizona Cardinals, Top Bandwagons sixteen day three picks
who could compete to start? Number three Cody Simon. Oh,
(01:56):
we'll talk about him a little bit later at length.
He met the media today. And then six off season champions. Okay,
Cardinals were on the list. They stole my Rex Ryan Award.
I can't believe that. And then the ten perfect player
team fits according to NFL dot Com from the draft.
Number four Will Johnson, Arizona Cardinals and our guest tonight
(02:18):
on the Big Red Rage presented by santan Ford and Gilbert,
we are santan Ford, Paul Calvic here, Ron Wolfley there.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
Polly, did I tell you that Will Johnson was a
perfect scheme fit for the Arizona Cardinals? JG and Nick Rolis, Polly,
did I tell you that before the draft?
Speaker 2 (02:35):
You might have gone into deep detail on that? Yes, Wolf,
that is correct. Yes, and JG backed you up on
that after the draft. He real quick. And we're gonna
ask Will Johnson about this momentarily, but just give us
a quick recap. Why why is Will Johnson said? We
know he's a great player, he's a lot of skill.
Why is he a perfect fit?
Speaker 1 (02:53):
Yeah, he's a perfect fit because this is a guy
that can play man cover or this is a guy
who can play in his zone room. And you know that.
Jag of course and Nick rolls they love them a
little quarter coverage, they love the four deep, they love
some three deep as well. They'll play cover two. They'll
play a lot of zone that's what they'll do. And man,
(03:14):
you watch Will Johnson on tape. This is a guy
that has the inate ability, bully to play in a
zone room. I think that's where he's best is in
a zone room. Now listen, he can line up. He's
a big, strong guy, six' to two almost two hundred
pounds can line up over a wide receiver and play
some press man. Cover he holds up just fine, there
(03:35):
but he really excels in a zone. Room and that
takes a little bit of an inate ability to read
row combinations and know what the offense is trying to
do and anticipate what those row combinations might. Be and
from time to, time when you got a gambler out,
(03:56):
there he will jump those roue combinations come up with
a pick that Is Will. JOHNSON i think that is
the strength Of Will. Johnson he actually has the innate
ability to examine what these combinations could possibly be based
on down in, distance based on formation as, well and
(04:16):
then jump. IT i think this guy's got that ability,
man just like a What Everson walls and the ability
to do.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
That, paul we're gonna ask him How Walter, nolan the
first round, pick reached out to him right Ask Jonathan
gannon for his number and then reach out to him
right after the. Draft we'll talk about. THAT i love
How Will johnson is opted to wear the number Zero agent.
Zero to, me it's akin to an ink blot, test,
right sort of a, target sort of a target on
(04:44):
his chest as a Corner, heck by my, money he
might even be cornerback one coming out of this training.
Camp we'll see about. That we do Know Walter nolan
is gonna wear number ninety. Seven you gave us a
little thumbnail on who Is Will? Johnson, well how About
Rob frederickson The Red sea report this? Week who Is Walter?
Speaker 6 (05:02):
NOLAN i really thought he would be taken before then
because he is so explosive off the line of scrimmage
and he does play on the offensive side of the
line of. Scrimmage that's what he's known, for is just
that burst and getting off the. Ball and you, know
that's SOMETHING i think The cardinals sorely. Needed they sorely
lacked that the last few years from that defensive line.
(05:23):
Room there wasn't a disruptive force in there to really
kind of muck up the run game and what the
offensive line is trying to. Do somebody that just absolutely
disrupts the timing of things and looking at, film that's
What Walter nolan brings to this.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
Team, yeah, disruptor that's the word he. Used what else
would you add to, That Walter? Nolan what is possible
with this guy in this? Defense?
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Yeah WHEN i think of a, disruptor for the most, Part,
POLLY i think of a guy that is able to
penetrate and disrupt on blocking schemes during rundown. Situation i'm
talking about zone, schemes of, course or power schemes to
be able to. Penetrate because he gets off the ball so,
well he can absolutely destroy a rushing attempt or a rushing.
(06:09):
Play but it's also to me his ability to provide
interior pass rush That i'm most excited, about, Because, polly
it's been a long. Time it's been a. WHILE i
think since The Arizona cardinals have had a three. TECHNIQUE
a guy that lines up on the inside, right a
guy that lines up either over the center or the
(06:30):
guard and can actually penetrate and get up field and
get a little interior. PUSH i think the last guy
to do that was May well actually two and they played,
Together Darnell dockett And Kalais. CAMPBELL i Think Walter nolan
could be that.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
Guy, YEAH i was asking myself that same. QUESTION i,
Mean i'm having flashbacks To Kalis campbell a three sack
first half In, seattle absolutely game. Wrecking Russell wilson And
Pete carroll to your point about being. Disruptive you know
there were some flashes WITH Jj watt And Chandler jones
at combination a little, bit but, no you're, right and
(07:08):
to think of it before and after in that defensive
line room right. Now Darius, robinson, who by the, way
if you go To hazycardinals dot com and you check
out some of the offseason videos and the, pictures he
is definitely winning the. Offseason d rob Looks, Swoll, Dalvin,
tomlinson Kalais Justin, Jones Ball, Nichols Dante, STILL'S. Lj, collier
and then once Again Walter. Nolan Here's Adrian. Wilson remember
(07:29):
he spent the last decade or so The cardinals legend
in front offices breaking down, prospects and here's what he
told us On Cardinals cover. Two what he sees From nolan's.
Speaker 7 (07:37):
TAPE i saw. EXPLOSIVENESS i saw, TWITCH i saw, quickness
ability to. PENETRATE i saw a guy that could probably
be an eight to TEN sac guy in his career
in terms of being an interior pass, rusher but really starting,
OUT i think he's going to be in the, rotation
but that rotation is going to consist Of, Joshua Walter,
nolan Either Kalais campbell or somebody.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
Else And Dais.
Speaker 7 (08:00):
Robinson like that's a pretty good front flour to start
with in terms Of Rushna.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Passard and what's remarkable to me is the coaches in
the scouts say that he played a lot of snaps
for Ale miss last, Year like he didn't come off the.
Field he's definitely a three down defensive lineman and they
loved his. Motor Well, Wolf he's not going to get
nearly as many, Snaps so, yeah when when he does
get into the, Game i'm guessing he's going to be
coming off the ball with some force AND i mean
(08:27):
he's going to have energy to spare and burn based
on how they're going to use.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
HIM, pauli that is that is a great observation by.
YOU i maybe you were listening to my show today
as a matter of, fact because that's exactly WHAT i
was talking. About Walter, nolan first and, foremost you have
to look at. Him he's got everything you want from
a dynamic three. Technique he's got that, speed he's got that,
quickness he's got the, strength he's got the ability to
(08:54):
penetrate and be that. Guy he's got the nastiness that you.
Want Walter nolan is going to be. GOOD i think
because of. That first and, Foremost, secondly when you stop
and think about all the other guys that The Arizona
cardinals have in the defensive line, room it's not like
he's gonna have to go out there and take sixty
(09:16):
reps a, Game. Paul he's not gonna have to do.
THAT i Think Walter nolan is going to be, very
very fresh because of. That and not only, that it's
not like offensive coordinators and offensive line coaches are going
to be going into the first half of the season
facing The Arizona cardinals defense and saying That Walter, nolan
(09:37):
you've got to block that, guy because he's gonna have
to prove that he can be that, guy that he
can be the, disruptor that he can be consistently. Dominant
he's gonna have to prove that because you've Got Delvin
tomlinson you've got to, Block you've Got Kalais campbell that
you've got to. Block you got to block some of
(09:57):
these other guys that have already proved and they belong
in The National Football. League it's not like you're going
to go in the first week Of september or Even
september Into october and say we got to Block Walter
nolan or we're. Hosed that's not going to be the.
Case SO i think he's going to get the opportunity
to go off early in the season if he if
(10:20):
he makes that adjustment, quickly.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
Especially if he can stop the run. Right and, YES
i bring that up because you, know guys like me
And middlely you, know, geez you know how many sacks
is he going to have and affect the quarterback and all,
That And drew stand essentially made the same point you.
Did No, cardinals if they can stop the run with
four something that's been a challenge at times the last
couple of years because they've been depleted in that d line. Room,
(10:43):
remember according To Pro Football, Focus Walter, nolan the third
was the number two rated run stopping defensive lineman in the,
draft behind Only Mason graham Ole. Miss that defense finished
number one in run, defense number one in tackles for.
Loss so getting back to whether he's JUST i, mean
if he's disruptive and they can stop the run with,
(11:04):
four think of the possibilities that Gives nick rolis right
in scheming it.
Speaker 1 (11:07):
Up, Yeah And i'm just gonna tell you this quickly once. Again,
Man it's called, solid a solid look or a bear.
Front that's where you Have Delvin tomlinson over the, center
and then you could Have Darius robinson over one guard
And Walter nolan over the other and a couple of edge.
Guys no one Has Josh sweat and Bj. Ojelari.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
Lookout, yeah let that hang in the air AS i
remind The bird gang that guess what you can go
on the road this season With Cardinals Premiere travel hosted
By Cardinals. Legends packages are going to include, transportation, hotel, accommodations,
pregame tailgate, experience game, tickets and. More for all the,
details go to azycardstravel dot, com azcardstravel dot. Com all,
(11:49):
Right agent zero is. Next he's already joked there are
too Many Ohio State buckeys and the. Roster we'll talk
to The michigan man. Next on The Big Red rage
presented by Santan ford In Gilbert.
Speaker 8 (12:03):
And with the forty seventh pick in the twenty twenty
FIVE Nfl, draft The Arizona cardinals Select Will johnson Defensive.
Speaker 5 (12:12):
Michigan as the drafts going, on you, know coaches are
texting back and, forth not just our staff but other,
staffs you, know people he worked with or that you,
know and you make a, pick and certain coaches like
certain guys and like when we picked, him at him
literally like eight defensive coordinators text me, like oh my.
Speaker 9 (12:29):
God like number one going on the, board like blah blah.
Speaker 5 (12:32):
Blah, blah like they all want you know WHAT i.
Mean and for whatever, reason he came to, us and
just Like, walt we're excited to get to work with him.
Speaker 4 (12:40):
Too.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
MAN espn just rated the selection Of Will johnson as
the second best pick of the entire draft based on.
Value how about? That how about your head Coach Jonathan,
gannon who's a cornerback. Guy by the, WAY i don't
have to tell you about. That we'll GET jg here
in a. Minute it is The Big Red rage presented
By Santan forward And. Gilbert Will johnson is our. Guest
(13:02):
Will johnson is An arizona. Cardinal Will johnson is in THE.
Nfl how's all that sound to you?
Speaker 10 (13:07):
All it sounds.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
Amazing i'm just happy to be a. Cardinal when you
finally get that phone. Call, Right you've been waiting for,
It you've been working for it your entire. Life how
gratifying is? That in your draft VIDEO i saw you
you were tearing. Up, yeah had to be. Emotional, yeah super.
Speaker 10 (13:22):
EMOTIONAL i, mean especially how it went from. Me you,
know it's just.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
Just waiting that.
Speaker 10 (13:27):
Time you, know knowing you want to be on a,
team you want to accomplish up your. Dream you work
so hard to get to that. Point so just finally
getting to that point and get into a place like,
This so all of those coming, together it was like a.
Moment you can't even can't even really describe. It your
emotions just come out and got to just let him.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
Go can't help but notice all the family and. Friends
you had a big crowd in. There, yeah when you
saw the, videos you realize just how happy they were for.
You that had to have been really. Gratifying.
Speaker 10 (13:53):
YEAH i got a great support. SYSTEM i, mean they
were all at the draft with, Me so they went
there and then they came back home with me and
still supported me through through all of. It So i'm
so grateful for, them AND i know they'll be here
every step of the.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
Way all, Right so last week on The Big Red.
Rage the Assistant Jim Dave sears sat right in that
chair and we asked, him at what point did The
cardinals draft room, think did you realize That Will johnson
would be there at pick forty?
Speaker 9 (14:17):
Seven at pick forty, six you, know we never thought
that guy was going to be.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
There really never thought that guy was going to be.
Speaker 9 (14:24):
There so that was one of the ones where you
heard many talk a lot post draft about sticking to your.
Board that's a clear case of That will was obviously
the best player that we had on the board at that.
Time we never Thought will would be there at that,
point and so you, know you stayed with your board
and you take the.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Prospect you were asked during the conference, call was there
how convinced you are that you're going to be one
of the steals of the? Draft your, answer.
Speaker 10 (14:46):
Oh, man It's god's. Play, Man I'm i'm happy to
be A. Cardinal let's get to.
Speaker 2 (14:50):
Work how are you going to process, that because, look
you KNOW jg And money said. It you were a little,
frustrated you said. It Walter nolan reached out to, you,
right he, said, COACH i got. Him how are you
going to use that as. Motivation will you use?
Speaker 10 (15:03):
That, YEAH i feel like it'll be in the back
of my head EVERYTHING i do for the rest of my,
career the rest of my. LIFE i always had that
chip on my. Shoulder you, know everyone doubted, me everyone
conmed me. Out SO i got to go out there
and prove it and do it with The.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
Cardinals, now tell us about your connection With Walter.
Speaker 10 (15:17):
Noltan, yeah we met in high. School we were both getting.
Recruited you, KNOW i was committed To michigan pretty, early
SO i was doing EVERYTHING i can to get him To.
Michigan we had a few of The memphis guys on the,
team SO i used to do a lot of things
try to Get walker to, come and so we got real.
Close it didn't work, out but we're here, now so it's.
Perfect speaking To.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
Michigan you had more pick sixes than you had touchdown catches?
Allowed is that a type? Out was that? Accurate, na
that's super. Accurate so as someone who's been down on
that field before years, AGO i won't even tell you
of the year it Was, Michigan Notre. Dame one hundred
and ten thousand plus. People when you're racing down the
length of the field with a pick. Six what does
that feel?
Speaker 10 (15:54):
Like just another one of those moments that you can't
you kind of just black, out like it can't even.
Describe ALL i remember is singing the, ball catching, it
taking a few, steps and then, celebrating and then about.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
Midfield you're running On eric, properly, Right, yeah exactly what
are you going to remember in terms of the matchups
in your college? Career Will johnson as our Guests cardinals.
Cornerback you Heard Patrick peterson earlier, THERE i Mean PAT
p would talk about how in college he battled Aj,
Green Julio. Jones who are some of the matchups you're
gonna remember from your college career that you'll never?
Speaker 10 (16:26):
Forget, yeah, Obviously, marvin we had a few. Matchups that's
probably my biggest Matchup i've had in. College Romo doomsay
faced him in a national. CHAMPIONSHIP i played guys Like Kean,
Coleman Jayden. Reid, wow there's a few, more but, yeah.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
That national title, game true or? False best game you've ever?
Played you? Were you were the DEFENSIVE mvp in That
national championship.
Speaker 10 (16:51):
Game, YEAH i THINK i played, well BUT i don't
think that's the best GAME i ever, played THOUGH i
THINK i got a few more out there that they
weren't the, natty SO i couldn't WIN, mvp but, YEAH
i THINK i had a few more bet that were.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Better one word to hear in your skinner reports. Instinct
do you agree with? That and how much of that
is a byproduct of film work or are you born with?
That mix it?
Speaker 10 (17:11):
Both, uh and you work at it. TOO i think definitely.
Film you, know film allows you to anticipate and kind
of know what's coming sometimes and allow you to let
those instincts. Show but you definitely got to have that
just a little bit of that guy given ability to
just trust it and be able to react to it
in that short of a time and see it and
(17:31):
react and all that at a fast Paced SO i
think it all ties together to, film the practice and
then just the guy giving.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
Ability Jonathan gannett has mentioned more than once you're a
perfect scheme fit for The Arizona cardinals based on what
you know of this of this. Defense what makes you
a good fit for The. Cardinals this defense is it's.
Speaker 10 (17:52):
AMAZING i, Mean i've been diving into it a little
bit so, far AND i Can't, wait they do a
lot of great. Things they're very corner corner FRIENDLY dB,
friendly and they a lot of the guys to go
out there and make plays and feel comfortable doing. It
So i'm excited to get to work and get comfortable in.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
IT jg asks a lot of his. Cornerbacks you're aware of, that,
Right he expects him to tackle or do you consider
yourself someone who's gonna come up and lay the? Lumber,
yeah most, definitely, okay and he considers the thinking man's
position as. Well there's some pretty exotic coverages and so.
FORTH i, mean do you look forward to that sort of, Challenge,
yeah for.
Speaker 10 (18:27):
SURE I mean we did a lot of that in college,
too in this scheme and the SYSTEM i was. In
SO i feel Like i'm pretty comfortable doing multiple things
in the variety of. Things and that's why you Said
i'm fit for his.
Speaker 2 (18:37):
Defense your dad PLAYED dB At. Michigan how instrumental has
your father been in your?
Speaker 10 (18:42):
Career he's been. EVERYTHING i, mean he's taught me. Everything
he's been there every step of the, way and you,
know he kind of just nurtured me into the PLAYER
i am and just guided me through this whole.
Speaker 2 (18:51):
Process, really where'd you get better in your three years
At Michigan from the time you started to right, now
where do you think you improve the?
Speaker 10 (18:58):
Most definitely mentally just knowledge of the, game knowledge of,
defenses offenses and schemes and how just, football knowledge of actual.
Football you, know high school is just you go out
there and play press man in every rep and go.
Dominate but in college you got to be able to
really think to do those plays that you were talking,
About you got to really be able to think it
(19:19):
through and, anticipate anticipate in see formations and all those
types of. Things SO i would say that the mental
part of the game is the THING i picked up the.
Speaker 2 (19:27):
Most is that in your repertoire press, Man cardinals don't
necessarily do a ton of, it but at fast to
is that something you're confident?
Speaker 1 (19:33):
In yeah for.
Speaker 10 (19:34):
SURE i MEAN i love playing it, all so, pressman offman's.
Own whatever it is they want me to, Do i'm
ready to do.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
It, Hey Patrick peterson was a master at. That you
said you used to watch some of his. Highlights, yeah
when you were a kid all the. Time what stood?
Out what do you think you what did you what
do you admire about his.
Speaker 10 (19:50):
GAME i think just his, versatility the way he was
able to go out there and shut people, down still
gonna make plays on the, ball in the, air return,
punch just just do every everything and be such a
dynamic player at. Corner you, know as a kid watching,
that that's, like that's what you want to go do.
Too so it's.
Speaker 2 (20:06):
True you don't see many corners traveling, anymore playing both
sides inside and, out and he did all that. Well
johnson is our. Guy, sorry what do you remember from
your two games Against Marvin Harrison.
Speaker 10 (20:14):
JUNR i remember he's A he's he's the best SHIP
i ever. Faced SO i mean we had we went
back and. Forth, YEAH i would just say it was
just a great. Matchup it was a challenging, matchup you,
know the Most i've been challenged on that. Level So
I'm i'm excited to go be challenged every day. Now
that's gonna that's only gonna get both of us better
and help us On.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
Sundays IF i did a pull of cornerbacks going Against
Marvin Harrison, junior what do you think they would? Cite?
What what's the best part of his? Game what's what
are his strengths to.
Speaker 10 (20:44):
Me it's the mix of size. Quickness you, know a
lot of guys that have his sides aren't as agile
and quick as he still. Is SO i would say
the mix of that and obviously the ball skills he.
Has so the mix of all of that coming together
with his size and skill is it's.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Different how much better can you get in practice going
against the top flight? Receiver Denzel burke went against five
first round receivers over his career At Ohio.
Speaker 10 (21:07):
State, yeah that's, Crazy, yeah for. Sure that.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
Is by the, Way detroit is on my birth, certificate
SO i saw a gross point south there for people
who need to know the end Of Grand, terno you,
know get off my lawn With Clint eastwood right where
they're driving Along Lake Shore drive at the very end
of the Movie Lake Saint, Clair, right it's basically that, area, Right, Okay, Okay,
well we look forward to. IT i, mean and you'll
probably connect With Darius, robinson Another, detroiter so he's saw
(21:35):
him in the Nice, okay all, Right, will welcome To,
arizona and we look forward to your career as An arizona.
Speaker 10 (21:40):
Cardinal thank you me.
Speaker 2 (21:41):
Too all, right there you. Go Will johnson everyone will
continue with A Big Red rage presented by san Tan
ford And gilbert talking about The Arizona cardinals draft class
and the off season as we near the schedule release next.
Week on The Big Red rage presented by Santan ford And, Gilbert.
Speaker 3 (22:07):
Cody, simon that's a lot and none and walk sacked
again third.
Speaker 2 (22:12):
Time Cody simon.
Speaker 11 (22:14):
Had a chance to drop, back decided to stay and
Pick Cody simon, There Ohio State CAPTAIN Blocko. Award impressive,
kid you, know call the defense for, them and you
know we're excited to add.
Speaker 3 (22:27):
Him is dragged down immediately By Cody simon and down he.
Speaker 2 (22:32):
Goes Cody simon is taking.
Speaker 9 (22:34):
Proof throughout the, year he had really strong playoffs and
he certainly has command of the. Team and so when
you have a command of an elite defense like, that
that says something about your character or your knowledge because
they're not just going to look to. Anybody those guys
are all high level players that turn to this guy
to give him.
Speaker 7 (22:47):
Directions so that's a big.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Factor, yeah that green, dot can he keep wearing that green?
Dot just take it off The Ohio state, helmet put
it on The cardinals. Helmet could number fifty another perfect
fit for a number in my, opinion And Cody simon
come in and be a starter as a, rookie as
A day three rookie. Wolf the numbers say a year
ago there were one hundred and fifty Seven day three
(23:10):
selections and eleven eleven started eight or more. Games in
twenty twenty, three there were Ten day three picks who
started eight or more, games and then the year before
twenty twenty, two there were Sixteen day three picks who
started eight or more games minus kysi Are. White what
do you think About Cody? Simon is he at least
in the? Running is he a legitimate? Candidate do you
(23:32):
think considering all his experience and he's coming off his
sixteen game season all the way to The national championship
With Ohio state where he called that, defense what do
you think do you put him in the? Mix here
Come cardinals.
Speaker 1 (23:42):
Camp, yeah that is a great, Question, Pauli it really.
Is first of, all they're gonna let him. Compete there's
no doubt about. That, okay from a physical, standpoint, yes
he's going to be in the. MIX i just wonder
if he can adopt and adapt to the game of
THE nfl where you've got all of this. Complexity it's
(24:04):
not just, compound it's, complex is what it. Is And
i'm just wondering if he can adapt to that quickly
enough to wear the green dot from week? One could
you convince, Me paully that at some point in time
he's gonna wear the green? Dot he will wear the
green dot at some point in the. Season, yes you
(24:25):
could his rookie. Year i'll buy. That, yet at the same,
time if you're telling me he's coming out of training
camp in week one wearing the green, dot that really
is a tall order right.
Speaker 2 (24:37):
There, yeah it's really. Interesting in, fact on The Red
Sea Report drew stan was on, recently and we pose
that same question to the Former cardinals quarterback On simon's
ability to become the starting mike.
Speaker 12 (24:48):
Linebacker the track record that exists In Ohio state gives
you confidence that he is going to be prepared and
make that. Jump and you look at the defense that
he was. Running it was a complicated. Defense get in
everybody lined. Up that's what the responsibility of the mike linebacker.
Is you set the, front you make the strength. Call
everything is predicated on. That the front has to match the.
(25:09):
Coverage so a guy that's been, there done that is
going to be the green dot, Eventually hopefully it happens
sooner rather than, later because everybody plays off of.
Speaker 2 (25:18):
It he's a four time Academic All Big ten, Selection Cody,
simon all, right so so not only FOOTBALL. Iq he's
a bright dude period the Other.
Speaker 1 (25:28):
But you, know, poll it's not just about his capacity
mentally as. Well it's not just about. That it also
is about, experience, true and and that's the thing that,
again it doesn't mean he can't do the. Job it
just means these are things you've got to think about
when you evaluate whether or not he could come in
(25:48):
from week one and wear the green.
Speaker 2 (25:50):
Dot and we had the debate and for, example we
hash it out Like Kyle shanahan and all the eye candy,
Right sean McVeigh and everything he does and all the
in trying to reveal and just you, know so that's
no doubt that's a. Challenge But drew stan didn't make the, Point,
well if you fortified your defensive front to the point
(26:12):
where you're only gonna rush for maybe you're playing a
much more simple. Scheme in year three Under Nick, ross
maybe the necessity isn't there to get exotic and dial
it up because you have dudes, now, YEAH jg And Nick.
ROSS i think they like to keep an offense on their,
heels so they're not gonna get vanilla and they'll never
use that. Word but maybe it's not as complex and
(26:34):
complicated as years.
Speaker 1 (26:35):
Past that's, RIGHT. PAULI i mean one of those areas,
too it'd be the defensive front that they love to.
Use they love to use that bare front with two
edge players as, well where they cover the three interior offensive.
Linemen maybe they don't have to do that as. Much
maybe they will do it to try to actually generate
(26:55):
an awful lot of, Pressure but it really is a
situation where you've got a map the scheme to the
skulls that you have on the. Field And Cody simon
is a guy THAT i think is going to be
able to handle that mental acuity that he needs to
in order to go out and make the calls. Defensively
yet at the same, time that's no. Guarantee that's a
(27:18):
mountain to.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
Climb So Cody simon a lot Like Will, johnson really
decorated in The Big. Ten he was thirteen all big
ten Led Ohio state with one hundred and twelve. Tackles
he was third among ALL d one linebackers in terms
of his run defense. Grades he was a team. Captain
he was The National Title game DEFENSIVE, mvp just Like Will,
(27:39):
johnson our guest in the last. Episode here the last
segment of The Big Red, rage presented by Santan ford And.
Gilbert he's been described as a late, bloomer but, man
he played some of his best ball in the playoffs
in college football and then his head, Coach Ryan, day
in a, tweet called him, tough, accountable the highest of,
character and he was one of the big leaders on
(28:02):
that team as a team. Captain and here's What Cody
simon had to say earlier today when he was asked
what does being a leader mean to?
Speaker 8 (28:08):
HIM i put leadership in three different. Things it's being, seen,
heard and. Felt seeing you do the right thing all the.
Time you're the person that they can look to to
do the right. Thing you're heard you you're the vocal,
leader you can motivate and. Inspire and then felt is the,
emotion you, know the passion that you can play with
that others can look to and you know LIKE i can.
Feel it's not, tangible but it's something out. There so
(28:30):
that stuff is stuck with me all through college and
helped me be a better.
Speaker 2 (28:33):
Leader, seen, heard and. Felt that's, It.
Speaker 1 (28:38):
Paul that is so.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
Good it's well.
Speaker 1 (28:41):
Said it really is right, there because once, again you
KNOW i say this all the, TIME a leader has
got to do before he can. Say he's got to
do before he can. Say and that's what he's talking.
About you, know you've got to be, seen of, course
and you have to. Hear in other, words once you
are and you're doing, now you can actually start. Talking
(29:04):
and also fell. Too it's all three. Phases. MAN i
love that From Cody simon right, there and it's so.
Accurate so spot, on you got to do first and then,
say and your best leaders always do, first and then, say.
Speaker 2 (29:21):
Okay, Look i'm not going to get over my skis.
Here he's not going to walk in as a round
four rookie and get voted to team. Captain but can?
Lead can he call a? Defense, Yeah, canny can he
call a defense as a? Rookie is that? Realistic BECAUSE
i look at this dep shot right, now, wolf And
i'm not seeing an automatic surefire replacement For Kayzer, white
(29:42):
AND i just tend to think he's going to be
given every chance to win the.
Speaker 1 (29:46):
Job, NO i think you're right about that. Ball but,
again there's a big difference in wearing the green dot
and knowing it intellectually going out onto a football field
week one and calling the, defense and then going out
out in totally understanding the. Defense and that is a big.
Responsibility it really, Is. Paul i've said this to you
(30:07):
in the, past but the most difficult POSITION i think
for any rookie to come in and play is the
mike linebacker. Position. Wow this is something that we have
talked about many times in the. Past it's just like
being a full back in an. Offense, Paul you've got
to know. Everything, No, Paul you've got to know everything
the running game and the past protection. Scheme as a full,
(30:30):
back you had to know it. All just, Saying, paul
the two most difficult positions other than quarterback to come
in and play full back And mike. Linebacker, okay just
so you, Know and it's because of all the mental
things that you have to know and understand about this
game as.
Speaker 2 (30:48):
Well and, LOOK i think they're going to get an,
idea at least, initially is he swimming in rookie mini,
camp then they're going to get then they get into,
OTAs then they get into the mandatory Minim but if
he's keeping, up and they'll be able to know where
is he in the playbook and they can do things
in practice with some crazy looks on, offense how do you?
(31:09):
Adjust are you making the? Checks can you make the?
Calls you? Know because that's something that the guy's raved
about the Moment Kaizer white showed up two years Ago
Buddha baker And. Company like, man he gets the calls
out so. Quick he, reads he, recognizes he spits it.
Out he gives us that extra half second to get in.
Position that kind of stuff can be. Critical so if
if he can handle, that THEN i think he'll be
(31:30):
given every opportunity AND i think they'll be able to
discern at least through mandatory mini. Camp all, right is
he flailing and failing and swimming? Mentally or and then
if soul, okay maybe you go and you sign a
guy off the street with. Experience here's my other question for,
You wolf, cornerback Because Denzel, burke his, teammate comes in
with fifty one career starts In ohio state. History we
(31:52):
just talked To Will johnson on this edition to The
Big Red. Rage think of that, Room think Of Max,
Melton round two, High round two pick a year, ago
made real strides In december And, January Garrett williamszier Starting.
Nickel we're not debating That Starling thomas has started nearly
two dozen games in two. Years and Then Sean murphy,
bunting the, veteran highly Paid how do you handicap the
(32:14):
cornerback race right?
Speaker 1 (32:15):
Now, yeah you, know it's very similar to the interior
defensive line and actually the front seven period for The Arizona.
Cardinals the, improvement the competition that is going to, Exist
paully once training camp, opens and we'll really OTAs Once OTA's.
Opens but you, know until the pads go, on you're
really not going to be able to make that, difference
(32:38):
that difference between one young guy and another young. Guy
but the competition will unfold right before you in those two,
rooms specifically the defensive line room and the corner back.
Room oh my, GOODNESS i can't even believe how jam
packed that room. Is that was looked at going into last.
(32:59):
Season as a. Weakness now we know it wasn't because
Of Garrett. Williams we know it wasn't because Of Max
melton and because Of Star. Thomas those three guys in,
particular they stepped up and they solidified that secondary by
playing so well at the corner. Position and now you're
gonna add more competition to that. Room talking about A
(33:21):
Will Johnson denzel Burke, man is this is gonna be
an area of competition in training.
Speaker 2 (33:28):
Camp if The cardinals come out in the first month
and they are flying on. DEFENSE i think it'll be
a direct byproduct Of cardinals, camp which is gonna be really.
COMPETITIVE i could see that just carrying over directly huge
ball into the regular. Season Ab for the first to
see The cardinals twenty twenty five schedule when it gets Released,
Wednesday may, fourteenth go To easycardinals dot com slash schedule
(33:50):
for all the opponents more. Info all, right we'll come.
Back Marvin Arrison. Junior what do the coaches want to?
See that's? Next on the Big Red.
Speaker 13 (33:57):
Rage throws end zone in his caught, Touchdown pope takes
the staff play fake brawling.
Speaker 2 (34:08):
Left Has pope lopped To.
Speaker 13 (34:10):
Tom touchdown wide Open pope in the end.
Speaker 2 (34:13):
Zone pope is wide open fires and that has caught
and that's a. Touchdown. Pope his second.
Speaker 7 (34:21):
One, Today pope wide open down the middle of the.
Speaker 2 (34:24):
Field pope stretching and diving and.
Speaker 9 (34:28):
Scoring pope now with four touchdowns on the, ear kiss the.
Speaker 2 (34:31):
Ring that's good. Stuff right there are Jim amahundro dipping
into his vast, archives Passion wolf calling multiple touchdown catches
From Leonard. POPE i looked it.
Speaker 4 (34:45):
Up.
Speaker 2 (34:45):
Wolf he played three years for The. Cardinals just a
refresher two thousand and, six seven and. Eight, yes he
went to The Super. Bowl eleven career touchdown catches five
and two thousand and seven alone on twenty three. Receptions
that's a pretty good percentage right, there the red zone.
Threat that was six foot eight tight End Leonard pope
for The cardinals once upon a. Time, Yeah and of
(35:07):
course that's in honor Of Pope, leo the First American.
Pope and you, know it's interesting SOMEWHERE i have an
Old Chicago cardinals. PENNANT i need to like take the
the s off That chicago, cardinal you, know sixty nine
year Old chicago, native the First american, Pope Pope Leo
white smoke earlier today and so that is the big,
news and in honor of, that we bust out the
(35:29):
flashback To Leonard, Pope paul Kelvc ron wolfleet is the it.
Is it is the Big Red rage presented By Santan
ford In gilbert Will johnson was our guest. Earlier guess
what he's gonna match up Against Marvin Harrison junior again
this time in practice man after two games against each,
Other Ohio state Against. Michigan that is called good on good,
(35:52):
iron sharpening iron and. Wolf we've Seen Marvin Harrison junior
his name on some of these breakout players. Lists, yeah
in your, opinion what has to happen For Marvin Harrison
junior to take that next step in year?
Speaker 1 (36:06):
Two, Paul he's just got to Get he's just got
to get more. Comfortable that's what he's got to. DO i, mean,
honestly right, NOW i look at this and with this
kid's work ethic what it is and the fact that
he had eight hundred and eighty five receiving yards last
year and eight. Touchdowns once, AGAIN i keep coming back to.
That do we know that he could be? Better? YES
(36:26):
i think our expectations going into his rookie season was
just so off the. Charts it was so. High And
i'm looking at myself on that. One even THOUGH i
typically look at a rookie with a skeptical, EYE i
was looking At Marvin Harrison junior like he was going
to come in from day one and he was going
to light the. Lamp, now, listen that didn't. Happen, yet
(36:46):
he had a very very good. Year when we talk
about a breakout, season you, know eight touchdowns is. Good
that's a good year for a lot of wide. Receivers
eight touchdowns and eight hundred and eighty five. Yards so
if we're talking about a true breakout season this year
For Marvin Harrison, junior where does that number? Start? Paul
(37:07):
is that eleven hundred yards? Receiving is that what you're
gonna say is? Breakout is it twelve? Hundred is? It twelve?
Touchdowns thirteen? TOUCHDOWNS i, mean, yeah this, kid the groundwork is.
There it. Is but, man if he grows from year
one to year, two the way that Multiple cardinal rookies
(37:28):
have that have been drafted UNDER monti assin for if he, grows,
man it's gonna be.
Speaker 2 (37:35):
Good you know, what and we've talked about, This we've
talked about the contested. CATCH i think the other WORD
i threw out there is, consistency which is one of
the biggest challenges for any. Rookie and for, EXAMPLE nfl
Dot com put out their ten Notable year two players
or a pois for a breakout, Campaign Marvin Arrison junior number,
(37:55):
three and they cited and this is a good reminder
that there were seven games where he is held to
fewer than forty yards. Receiving so if you can get
that consistency and then with, that the numbers will come
obviously and will compile over a seventeen game.
Speaker 1 (38:10):
Season, Paulie i've said this in the, Past, MAN i,
have BUT i will continue to say. It if in,
Fact Kyler murray And Marvin Harrison junior they improve their
chemistry the way THAT i think they're going to improve
their chemistry in terms of being able to throw the
ball down the field And Marvin Harrison junior going up
and making plays on the, ball high pointing the ball
(38:32):
and catching it contested, catches if that improves the way
THAT i think that it should improve in year, Two,
paul there couldn't be a more powerful impact to The
Arizona cardinals winning games because that will set off a
chain reaction that they can throw the ball down the
Field paully and all of a sudden attack that. Secondary
(38:54):
it's going to open up everything. Underneath of, course For
trey McBride even that much. More and it's going to
Help James connor as, well because they're not going to
be able to just jam up the box and single
up somebody on the outside On Marvin Harrison. Junior they're
not going to be able to do. It so all
of it works. Together and if they're able to do, That,
(39:15):
paul that's going to be the biggest improvement The cardinals
could have going into next.
Speaker 2 (39:20):
Season, well when you said, CHEMISTRY i just threw my
fist into the. Air, dang because that was the fourth
seed THAT i was waiting. For, remember at the end
of last, season we came up with a four, seeds
sort of like buying a, diamond, RIGHT.
Speaker 1 (39:31):
I, Don't, PAUL i don't.
Speaker 2 (39:32):
Remember contested consistency chemistry With. Kyler kyler cited that himself
late last. Season, confidence, okay and then with confidence we
now go To Drew Terrell Wide receivers coach passing game
coordinator this late last. Season this is a really insightful,
interview really well, said and he was asked what he
(39:54):
wants to see From Marvin Harrison junior this.
Speaker 4 (39:56):
OFFSEASON i think what's gonna come naturally is He i'm
gonna be, like all, Right i'm in THE. Nfl this
is What i've worked my whole life, for and this
is what it. Is when you're working your way up
to this.
Speaker 2 (40:06):
Level it's always like.
Speaker 4 (40:07):
ALMOST i don't want to say you're putting too much
weight into, it but it's kind of like, this like
there's an expectation of what it's supposed to be. Like
SO i HOPE i see him in this offseason exhale and,
like all, Right I'm Marvin Harrison. Junior i'm a bad
mother and they gotta feel. Me next Time i'm out.
Speaker 2 (40:23):
There i'm dictating to. THEM i don't have to adjust.
Anybody i'm, Stinking Marvin Harrison. Junior i'm setting the tone.
Here i'm dictating things out in this. Field you Heard
Will johnson earlier in this episode Of The Big Red
rage where HE'S i asked him about. Matchups the first
name he said in his college Career Marvin Harrison, junior
and he's gone against a lot of first round receivers
(40:43):
in his three years At, Michigan so so Can Marvin Harrison.
Junior see this is my. Opinion now have that, confidence,
yes to be that dog and be that guy and
then take it to the next.
Speaker 1 (40:55):
LEVEL, Pauli, no you're right on this. Thing you really.
Are think about. It i've experienced myself bully going into
your rookie. YEAR i don't care how confident you.
Speaker 6 (41:04):
ARE i don't.
Speaker 1 (41:04):
KNOW i don't care how much acclaim they have piled on.
YOU i really don't care what your ability or talent level.
Is when you go into that rookie, year you're saying
to yourself when it's really dark and it's about two
thirty in the morning and it's you and you're just
staring at the ceiling at, night you think to, Yourself,
(41:27):
MAN i THINK i can play in THE. NFL i
THINK i can do. This year, two after you get
year one, in you're, SAYING i KNOW i can do.
THIS i KNOW i. Belong and last, year when you
look At Marvin Harrison junior and what he accomplished in
the production Of Marvin Harrison, junior to, me he proved
to himself that he could play in THE. Nfl now
(41:49):
it's about taking that next. Step where is that? CEILING
i don't, know BUT i Think Marvin Harrison junior is
going to get closer to that ceiling in year.
Speaker 2 (41:59):
Two here's the other. Thing last year he spent a
season going Against Sauce, Gardner Devin witherspoon, twice, who by the,
way is a two Time All pro former fifth pick
two years ago By Seattle. Right he went Against Jalen
ramsey actually torched him quite a bit in the second
half of that game At. Miami Jalen, johnson who's highly
paid The bears. CORNER i, mean he went against a
(42:21):
lot of, dudes premiere. Corners and what Did Frank sanders
tell us a couple of months ago here on The
Big Red, Rage he, said you know what my rookie,
year guess WHAT i Had Rob moore's wide receiver. One
Larry fitzgerald even had An Kwon bolden his first year
as wide receiver. One HIS q was coming off a
ridiculous rookie, campaign and the only team you really saw
a single Up Marvin Arrison junior all of last season
(42:43):
were The rams In week two and what did he?
Do he had a full game in the first quarter
till they made. Adjustments.
Speaker 1 (42:49):
Yeah you know what's so great about this, Too, paully
is the emergence Of trey. McBride, yes the emergence Of
trey McBride as maybe the best tight end in The
national Fur Ball league right. Now the reason WHY i
say that is because a defensive coordinator is going to
go into that game and he's going to, say, boy
there are two things we've got to. Do we have
(43:09):
to Stop James. Connor we have to stop The Arizona
cardinals from running the. Ball and we got to Cover trey.
McBride we got to cover eighty. Five we have to do.
That going into a, GAME i think that is going
to be where the attention is really focused on from.
Defenses and because of, THAT i think, Again Marvin Harrison
(43:30):
junior is going to get the opportunity until he starts
torching some. Defenses he's going to get the opportunity to
go out and have to prove. It so we'll see
how he.
Speaker 2 (43:40):
Responds so do you consider wide receiver to a need
or a want at this?
Speaker 1 (43:45):
Point, YEAH PAULI i consider it a. Want and the
reason WHY i say that is because Of trey McBride
number number, One number two is BECAUSE i Believe Marvin
Harrison junior is going to get. Better And i'm talking
about down the. Field i'm talking about running by, somebody
not using his speed so, much but running by somebody
where it's a fifty to fifty throw up ball and
(44:07):
he goes up and he makes it more of an eighty.
Twenty that's What i'm expecting to throw the ball down
the field and be effective doing. It SO i would
have to, say, YEAH i think that's more of a.
Want Paul.
Speaker 2 (44:19):
Yeah and Then Zay, jones what's he like in year?
Two you know it was interrupted obviously last year the
start of his. Season you, Know Greg dortch finished. Strong
did they figure something else out? There but once, again
The cardinals were top five in explosive run. Plays last.
Year they were in the bottom third of the league
in explosive pass. Plays if they can add the explosive
(44:39):
pass plays to this, offense that to me is what
unlocks everything because they have almost every other, aspect yes
of a potent. Offense, hey get ready for the twenty
twenty five season with the latest gear from The cardinals team.
Shop oh you got to check out the recently Drop
Marvin irrison junior. Jerseys go To easycardinals Dot com slash
Shop ezycardinals Dot com slash. SHOP a special thanks as
(45:02):
Always jim Al, Monroe Cody, Fincher Matt lazarus For Ron
wolfley On PAUL. calBC special thanks To Will johnson for
joining us The round two. Pick As phase two of
the off season is. Underway it is The Big Red
rage presented by Santan ford In.
Speaker 3 (45:17):
Gilbert you've been listening To The Big Red rage presented
by Santan ford And gilbert right on the, price right
on the corner of The santan two to Two freeway In.
Speaker 2 (45:31):
Valvesta The rage is.
Speaker 3 (45:34):
Brought to you By Arizona Cardinals. Podcast Visit azycardinals dot
com slash.
Speaker 1 (45:40):
Podcast we're gonna see a little big red rage football right.
Speaker 3 (45:44):
Here this has been an exclusive presentation of The Arizona
Cardinals Football.
Speaker 2 (45:48):
Club
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