Cardinals second-year LB expects to take 'big leap' in 2024

The Cardinals need their second-round pick from a year ago to take another step this season after their defense allowed the second-most points per game (26.8) in the league in 2023.

Luckily for Arizona, that's exactly what second-year linebacker BJ Ojulari is planning to do.

"I'm expecting to take a big leap," Ojulari said, via the team's website.

Ojulari, the No. 41 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had a solid rookie campaign, registering 40 tackles and four sacks. However, he wasn't able to develop the way he hoped as he battled a knee injury throughout training camp and the preseason.

Now fully healthy, he knows he must continue developing into a versatile player so opposing teams can't predict what his role will be weekly.

"I just want to be the best all-around player I can be," Ojulari added. "Sacks are what get guys accolades and what gets guys paid, but it's also good to be all-around and not just one-dimensional. Switch it up ... so they can't just put one label on you and offenses don't know what you are doing."

Ojulari's second season is all about change. He agreed to give up his No. 18 to the Cardinals' 2024 first-round pick, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

The 22-year-old will now wear No. 9, which he wore in youth football. While giving up his old college number wasn't easy, he knows it's not his number that makes the difference when on the field.

"At the end of the day, your play is going to talk for you, no matter what number you're wearing," Ojulari finished.

Arizona's defense should be a better unit this season with the newest additions of first-round edge-rusher Darius Robinson and second-round cornerback Max Melton. It may be Ojulari who turns out to be the most important piece of the bunch, however.