Ep. 744 - Players arrived back at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center on Monday. (Though many had been regulars since the season ended.) Welcome to the start of the offseason strength and conditioning program. It’s called Phase One. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck describe what that means; in other words, what players can and cannot do. Speaking of players, Kyzir White - how’s his rehab going - and Trey McBride, who was very excited to be back in the building, spoke with reporters. What did they have to say about the offseason, the new additions made to the roster, and having a healthy Kyler Murray? Plus, next week’s draft may be one of the more important ones, in terms of building for the future, in recent memory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 743 - If wide receiver is the biggest need on offense, then outside linebacker/edge rusher is the biggest need on defense. At least that’s how Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi see it heading into the draft. (Cornerback is a close second.) Last season, the Cardinals ranked near the bottom in sacks plus had among the higher numbers in both opponent quarterback rating and opponent completion percentage. So, how do the Cardinals address the position? Good question. The latest Mel Kiper Jr. mock draft has one scenario, one in which the Cardinals stick-and-pick and select Marvin Harrison Jr. What happens, though, if there is a trade down? What might be the price to move off the fourth overall pick and is there a team willing, and more importantly able, to pay such a cost?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 742 - After a quick debrief on the solar eclipse - or the lack thereof in Arizona - Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman dive into the draft, focusing on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage. The annual draft primer series - a position-by-position look at the Cardinals’ draft needs - begins this week on azcardinals.com. No question wide receiver is the biggest need. The offensive line also is high on the need list. There are only three players: Paris Johnson Jr., Jonah Williams, and Jon Gaines who are signed beyond 2024. What about quarterback? Running back? Tight end? How might Monti Ossenfort address those positions, especially knowing he has - at least right now - 11 total picks in his collection? Time will tell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 741 - It is the Cardinals’ biggest need, especially on offense. Wide receiver. And specifically, a true No. 1 receiver, or at worst, a receiver who can be paired with Michael Wilson. The wide receiver talk is getting louder because of, not only the need, but where the Cardinals select, which prospects were reportedly in town for visits, and the blockbuster trade between the Bills and Texans. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss how the Cardinals might address wide receiver, whether that’s early or late in the first round. Also, might we see a repeat performance out of Monti Ossenfort in terms of a trade down and then a move back up? Last year’s draft room video resurfaced on social media this week. Why?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 740 - It’s been a bit quiet on the free-agent front. Yes, the Cardinals are paying attention to those players still on the market - heck, they may even have an interest in signing one, two, or more of them - but, for the moment, their focus has shifted to the draft, which is less than four weeks away. Regardless of if it’s free agency or the draft, there are needs that must be addressed. Edge rusher may be the biggest. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss how the Cardinals may want to strengthen the position, including Year 2 improvement from both Zaven Collins and BJ Ojulari. Plus, when it comes to the top three wide receivers in this year’s draft class, are our expectations for their projected success too high?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 739 - Fans are guaranteed to see at least two kickoffs every game. And last season, kickoffs were an afterthought. That’s about to change with the league approving new kickoff rules for 2024. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what it’s going to look like and, more importantly, how the Cardinals will likely benefit from the new approach; and maybe why they made DeeJay Dallas an early signing in free agency. Also, the guys go over some of the other news and notes from the Annual League Meeting; what the latest mock drafts are saying about the Cardinals and the fourth overall pick; plus Desmond Ridder addressed reporters this week, what did he say and how does he fit within his new team’s quarterback room?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 738 - No team is in better position for the 2024 NFL Draft than the Arizona Cardinals. Or, more specifically, no *one person* as Broncos head coach Sean Payton said on Monday from the Annual League Meeting in Orlando. With the fourth overall pick, the Cardinals are the talk of the league. Darren Urban heard all the talk. From Orlando, he joins Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi to discuss what it may take for Monti Ossenfort to part with the team’s first first-round selection. Can a team make Ossenfort an offer he can’t refuse? Plus, Grialou and Calvisi revisit an earlier conversation concerning a former Cardinals draft pick. Why are they revisiting it? Well, because the player’s name has once again resurfaced in the rumor mill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 737 - Do you love ball? And do you put team first? That’s how Jonathan Gannon defines the price of admission to be an Arizona Cardinal. And, yes, being a good football player is a must. All nine players – to date – signed in free agency paid the price of admission. Gannon and Monti Ossenfort met the media on Wednesday to discuss the moves made thus far. What did they say? Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck go over some of the highlights; the focus on defense, specifically defensive line; don’t ask – though it was asked – where Jonah Williams and Paris Johnson will line up; Desmond Ridder’s experience played a big factor in his acquisition; fielding trade calls for the No. 4 overall pick; plus “the brutal” decision Ossenfort made to release D.J. Humphries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 736 - Back after a week away, Craig Grialou enlists the help of Paul Calvisi to go over everything that happened at the start of the new league year. And there was a lot. Seven players re-signed, seven players signed, one player was acquired and there were a handful of good-byes. The discussion began with GM Monti Ossenfort’s focus on the defense, specifically the defensive line; an edge rusher has not been signed yet so might the Cardinals be waiting for the draft, and if so, what does that mean when it comes to the fourth overall pick? Also, backup quarterback was addressed, and if there was still a question about Kyler Murray’s status within the building, there isn’t anymore. Plus, Aaron Donald retired; and what’s this, Paul got a dog over the weekend?!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 735 - In what is likely the first of many moves to provide the team depth along the defensive line going into next season, the Cardinals re-signed veteran L.J. Collier on Friday. It’s a one-year deal ahead of the official start of free agency. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss the decision to bring back Collier, who played less than one game last season after suffering a biceps injury in Week 1. It was one of several injuries suffered at the position, and the Cardinals struggled because of it, especially against the run. Also, wide receiver Greg Dortch is back, a smart move according to Craig and Dani, who both believe Dortch has earned himself more playing time on offense. Will he be given the chance?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 734 - Free agency begins in one week, so how does GM Monti Ossenfort approach the market? Does he re-sign players? Does he bring in new players? Or is it some combination of both? Bottom line is a lot of decisions need to be made at several different positions. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss some of those decisions, specifically at cornerback, safety and running back; highlighting Zach’s free agent primers on azcardinals.com. Also, what are the mock drafts saying post-Scouting Combine? What, if any, are the changes at No. 4 and No. 27? Finally, the guys give an update on offensive lineman Jon Gaines, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, and recently spent time in Florida with a handful of his teammates learning financial literacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 733 - It happens every year. One or two quarterbacks will hear their name called earlier than projected; and for some, a lot earlier. If that happens this year, then the Cardinals, who have the fourth overall pick, stand to benefit. Craig Grialou - fresh off a week-long stay in Indianapolis for the 2024 Scouting Combine - and Paul Calvisi discuss the many options for GM Monti Ossenfort, especially given what happened at the combine. Several prospects impressed last week, including at positions the Cardinals are in very much need of, outside of quarterback of course. Also, free agency begins in a week. Does it make sense to run it back with wide receiver Hollywood Brown?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 732 - Do the Cardinals go wide receiver or is the choice offensive line? And maybe there is no wrong decision. Charles Davis, NFL Network and NFL on CBS analyst, joined Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck from Indianapolis, site of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to talk about what the Cardinals may do with the fourth overall pick. Other topics discussed with Davis included why some teams may prioritize cornerback over edge rusher in the draft, why he’s no longer skeptical about Kyler Murray, and what impressed him the most when he was on the call for the Cardinals’ Week 15 game against the San Francisco 49ers. Also, Grialou and Sureck revisit what Jonathan Gannon had to say about playing rookies earlier than some coaches may.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 729 - That’s where games are won or lost, right? The Cardinals need to invest in the offensive line and defensive line this offseason. But how? Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman put the line of scrimmage under the microscope. Who’s under contract? Who isn’t under contract? And then, what’s the level of need when looking ahead to free agency and the draft? Speaking of the draft, the Scouting Combine is next week. (Programming note: Cardinals Cover 2 will be in Indianapolis.) More than 300 prospects have been invited. The Cardinals will have their eyes on a number of players. And, again, the line of scrimmage is likely to take priority, especially given the history of GM Monti Ossenfort, as limited as it may be. There is, though, a certain wide receiver out of Ohio State who may be hard to pass up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 728 - The Scouting Combine is in two weeks. Free agency begins in one month. The NFL Draft happens at the end of April. In other words, what offseason? This, though, is the time when teams look to improve their rosters. The Cardinals are no exception. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck talk about what’s ahead, first with a conversation about the needs on offense and then shifting their attention to the defense, the side of the ball where it may be best to spend to help fill many of the needs. All the above is discussed on what is the one-year anniversary of the Cardinals naming Jonathan Gannon head coach. And, oh yeah, it’s Valentine’s Day, too. Enjoy the day, Birdgang!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 727 - Of course, the Cardinals’ offseason began more than a month ago. But with Super Bowl 58 now in the rearview mirror, the entire league is on the clock. The goal: to be where the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers were on Sunday, playing for the Lombardi Trophy. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi breakdown the big game, from the plays that were made to the plays that weren’t made and the decision to receive to begin overtime. Also, what do the guys think about the report saying former Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick has received permission to seek a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles? And the noise is getting louder - in a good way - about this year’s draft class of quarterbacks. Will the GM Monti Ossenfort listen to trade offers for pick No. 4?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 726 - Is James Conner’s stiff arm of Patrick Peterson in Week 13 worthy of Angry Run of the Year? Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman certainly think so. Everyone will find out on Thursday, when the Angry Run of the Year will be announced as part of NFL Honors. Budda Baker (Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award) and Jonathan Ledbetter (Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year) may also hear their names called during the league’s annual awards show. Also, the guys discuss why wide receiver has been a popular position among the Cardinals’ signings of future contracts; of course, the Super Bowl; plus Zach’s hatred for squirrels (and cats apparently), yes squirrels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 725 - It is officially Super Bowl week. But before Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss the big game, they discuss the just completed Pro Bowl and all the event’s activities. Budda Baker was the Cardinals’ lone representative. He had a hand in the NFC’s win over the AFC. He also stopped to talk with Sureck, who was in Orlando leading up to Sunday’s game. What did Baker have to say? How does Baker feel about the Cardinals after Year 1 under Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon? Also, Kliff Kingsbury is back in the league. And he’ll be coming back to State Farm Stadium next season. Grialou and Sureck give their thoughts on the Washington Commanders new offensive coordinator.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 724 - Teams are built from the inside out. That said, the Cardinals are in great position with the fourth overall pick. Do they go offensive line, or do they go wide receiver? Is there a right answer? Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss the options. Of course, Calvisi is hoping GM Monti Ossenfort trades down, adding more draft capital. Also, they react in real time to the Cardinals’ first two moves in free agency - re-signing linebacker Jesse Luketa and offensive lineman Carter O’Donnell - as well as the reported news that the Seattle Seahawks have hired Mike Macdonald, the now former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator, as their new head coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 723 - The offseason is not even a month old and there is already some early buzz that the Cardinals will be a playoff team in 2024. Of course, a lot needs to happen between now and then, but it does speak to how well the team competed in Jonathan Gannon’s first season as head coach. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck talk playoffs, both next season and this season. How do they feel about the Super Bowl matchup: 49ers and Chiefs? Especially the 49ers’ presence in the big game? Also, Sureck is headed to the Pro Bowl later in the week. The game is Sunday. Budda Baker will be there. Might one of his teammates be joining him? Maybe Trey McBride?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.