Each year, before I head out for some time off -- and as the offseason work comes to a close -- I make the effort to predict the starting lineup for Week 1. Offensively, the Cardinals didn't have a lot of change this offseason. The defense? There is a lot more room for debate there with the amount of talent brought in. So here's my belief right now for that game Sept. 7 against the Saints in New Orleans.
**Defensive end – Darius Robinson.** I am picturing the Robinson that looked so good in training camp last year making an impact immediately after his calf-derailed rookie year.
**Nose tackle – Dalvin Tomlinson.** This is why you sign a vet like Tomlinson, to anchor the middle from the beginning.
**Defensive end – Calais Campbell**. Honestly, so many choices here. Could be **Justin Jones**. Could be **Walter Nolen III**, but I still think he gets worked in slowly. Campbell should only play about 30 to 35 snaps a game, but putting the vet on the field to start the game makes a lot of sense on multiple levels. We'll see if he stays there as Nolen develops, but in Year 18, Campbell can still do the job.
**Outside linebacker** **– Zaven Collins.** The versatile Collins is a favorite of the coaching staff, with the ability to do so much for Nick Rallis' defense.
**Inside linebacker – Mack Wilson Sr**. It'll be interesting to see if Wilson ultimately ends up with the green dot as defensive playcaller. In this starting lineup, the Cardinals begin in nickel. My guess as to a second ILB in base would be **Akeem Davis-Gaither** for now.
**Outside linebacker – Josh Sweat.** The Cardinals got their first true difference-making edge since Chandler Jones left.
**Nickel – Garrett Williams.** He proved himself as one of the best nickel corners in the league. Will be interesting to see if the Cardinals slide him outside in base.
**Cornerback – Will Johnson.** Comes into the NFL with many plaudits. It won't be simple for him to win the starting job, but I'm thinking he finds a way to edge out **Starling Thomas V**.
**Cornerback – Max Melton.** A second-round pick needs to make the push into the lineup in his second season.
**Safety – Jalen Thompson.** Thompson goes into his contract year not only motivated to take the defense to the next level but also to hold off **Rabbit Taylor-Demerson** and set himself up for the future.
**Safety – Budda Baker.** What's crazy is that Baker, going into his ninth season, is still only 29. There's a reason the Cardinals were good in giving him an extension, making sure their defensive heart and soul remains just that.