The Cardinals' most under-rated player in each of the three phases

by Walter Mitchell

Cardinals' most under-rated player on defense:

DT Dante Stills

photo: Caitlyn Epees, azcardinals.com

For the past two season, as an undersized 6-3, 299-pound 6th-round defensive tackle from West Virginia, Dante Stills has shown up for the Cardinals in a huge area of need.

Dante Stills' 2-year combined stats:

* Tackles: 89

* Tackles for loss: 9

* Stops: 39

* Sacks: 8

* QB Pressures: 42

* QB hurries: 29

* QB hits: 11

* Forced fumbles: 1

* Fumbles recovered: 1

Dante Stills' sack of Jared Goff:

https://x.com/i/status/1838009224338567256

Dante Stills' sack of Justin Herbert in the red zone:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBaRVymJ-dd/

Cardinals' most under-rated player on offense:

WR Michael Wilson

There was a heated debate all off-season among Cardinals' fans as to whether Michael Wilson is a WR2 or WR3. Those who believe that Wilson is a WR3 wanted to see the Cardinals spend another high draft pick on a WR --- or sign a top shelf UFA WR --- or trade for a high profile one.

I bet you right now that if you ask the Cardinals' CBs who is the most difficult WR to cover, the majority of them would say Michael Wilson. If you go back and watch the training camp one-one WR/CB man-to-man reps, Michael Wilson consistently, after 2-3 twitchy moves, is running free and wipe open. Wilson plays with leverage better than any receiver on the roster. Marvin Harrison Jr. is making enormous strides in his route running and use of leverage and is gaining quickly on his teammate. But he still has a little way to go to surpass M-Willy. Here is a sample of a couple of camp reps:

https://x.com/AzCardinals1988/status/1949942726012682624

Michael Wilson, this season, is playing the quickest and fastest that he has ever played.

Then, what a number of fans and pundits have yet to acknowledge nearly enough about Michael Wilson, are his tremendous hands and focus on the football. More of these please plays, Cardinals:

https://x.com/AzCardinals1988/status/1951418576646353376

https://x.com/AzCardinals1988/status/1951398050951557449

https://x.com/getgannoned2/status/1926319907639083357

https://x.com/MHJera_/status/1897397124968706175

https://x.com/MHJera_/status/1846604281014808803

Click on these short videos!




Cardinals' most under-rated player on special teams:

LS Aaron Brewer

photo: Caitlyn Epes, azcardinals.com


The 14-year veteran is money. At a position that rarely gets any props. 


https://x.com/SleeperAZCards/status/1961184550140485884

Those are my three. 

Which Cardinals in each of the three phases do you feel are the most under-rated?














Comments

  1. RedrunSeptember 4, 2025 at 10:34 AM

    I've been real impressed at how Stills has grown, he should definitely be in rotation @ DT. One of few players who coaches should be proud of his development. By season end last year he was playing better than most of our DL (including Robinson).

    Wilsons struggles have been more due to injury and issues with Kyler Murray being unable to make 2nd & 3rd read connections. Kyler has most to prove of anyone on the roster! (That may label me as a Kyler hater - I am NOT, I just want to see improvement instead of same issues over and over again and again)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Flash87September 4, 2025 at 11:53 AM

    Cheers Beers Montaineers....Dante is primed to have some good games. The additions we have made on the defensive line are going to create opportunities for each lineman. One week it might be Josh Sweat the next it might be Darious. Stoked to cut these guys loose.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Since 61September 4, 2025 at 6:20 PM

    Garret Williams is underrated.He had an impressive 2024 season, ranking second among cornerbacks in PFF coverage grade (83.7). Can play the slot and outside, solid run support. I think Fro is underrated. He's the leader/anchor of the OL and is the general of our running game. I got Gilliken as an underrated ST player because he's so damn good and should be an All Pro. Kid's elite.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TMAttySeptember 4, 2025 at 6:29 PM

      I had a hard time coming up with names for this, but totally agree with you. I’m hoping Garrett Williams especially has a strong season and makes a Pro Bowl push.

      Delete
  4. ERauchSeptember 4, 2025 at 8:24 PM

    I have been on the Wilson train from day one. That kid is a baller and reminds me of Anquan! He does his job and fights for the ball every time.

    The majority of KM's 20+ throws are completed to, none other than, Mr Wilson.

    ReplyDelete

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