Cardinals counting on young DEs Calais Campbell, Kenny Iwebema

Close observers of the Cardinals wholeheartedly agree that one of the biggest keys to remaining the NFC West kingpin in 2009 will be more substantial contributions from two second-year players in particular — DEs Calais Campbell (a second-round pick in ’08) and Kenny Iwebema (fourth round). We hear the Cardinals feel pretty confident that the combination of Campbell and Iwebema will effectively compensate for the loss of Antonio Smith as the starter and primary backup at left end, respectively. “They really like Campbell’s size (6-7, 282),” a team insider told PFW. “He’s bigger than Antonio, and when he gets his arms up, it could cause real problems. He’s very bright, and he’s very diligent, unlike (2007 second-rounder) Alan Branch, whose work ethic hasn’t been great. And when the team goes to a 4-3, Campbell can move inside. They like Iwebema a lot, too. He’s a lot stronger than he looks, and he also works real hard.”

(profootballweekly.com)