Arizona Cardinals' Initial Bam of a 53-Man Roster

by Walter Mitchell

Photo: Tyler Drake Arizona Sports



Walter B J Mitchell
@WBJMItch
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Arizona Cardinals' Initial 53-Man Roster: QB (2): Kyler Murray, Jacoby Brissett RB (4): James Conner, Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, Bam Knight TE (4): Trey McBride, Elijah Higgins, Tip Reiman, Travis Vokolek WR (5): Michael Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr., Greg Dortch, Xavier Weaver, Zay Jones OL (9): Paris Johnson Jr., Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, Isaiah Adams, Jonah Williams, Kelvin Beachum, Jon Gaines II, Will Hernandez, Josh Fryar DI (7): Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson, Darius Robinson, Dante Stills, Justin Jones, L.J. Collier, PJ Mustipher ED (5): Zaven Collins, Josh Sweat, Baron Browning, Jordan Burch, Xavier Thomas ILB (4): Mack Wilson Sr., Owen Pappoe, Cody Simon, Akeem Davis-Gaither CB (6): Garrett Williams, Max Melton, Will Johnson, Elijah Jones, Kei'Trel Clark, Denzel Burke S (5): Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Joey Blount, Kitan Crawford ST (2): Chad Ryland, Blake Gillikin PUP (3): Walter Nolen II, Bilal Nichols, B.J. Ojulari IR (3); Christian Jones (return), Hayden Conner (return), J.J. Russell (out for year) Note: Aaron Brewer, like last year, will be re-signed tomorrow after the Cardinals then designate one of these players to the IR (return) list --- guessing Justin Jones.

Players on my final 53 who got cut:

1. WR Simi Fehoko
2. DT Kyon Barrs
3. LB Mykal Walker
4. CB Darren Hall
5. LS Aaron Brewer

Players I did not have on my Final 53:

1. RB Bam Knight
2. G Will Hernandez
3. DT L.J. Collier
4. DT Justin Jones
5. CB Denzel Burke

Today's Tweets:


Walter B J Mitchell
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Credit Cardinals' RB coach Autry Denson for banging on the table for Bam Knight. Denson might be the Cardinals' best position coach now that Klayton Adams is OC for the Cowboys. The job he is doing with JC, Trey, Emari and now Bam is outstanding.
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Walter B J Mitchell
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With the release of WR Simi Fehoko, I am wondering whether Monti Ossenfort has a deal lined up with the Raiders for WR Jakobi Myers, whom Monti helped to sign as a 2019 CFA in New England. Raiders just signed Amari Cooper.
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Walter B J Mitchell
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Maybe, but ideally you want your backup WRs to play special teams. With that in mind, imo, Simi Fehoko brings much more to the table than Zay Jones. Fehoko has serious 4.37 wheels. Jones, at this point in his career does not play STs and he's not a burner.
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@mil610
Replying to @WBJMItch
I think they’re going heavy at other positions and just feel Simi more likely to get through waivers. Same with Darren hall
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Walter B J Mitchell
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With the Cardinals releasing Darren Hall and Simi Fehoko, this further illustrates how little the Cardinals coaches think of pre-season games. Not only did Simi Fehoko lead the team with 2 TD catches, earning #4 best offensive grade at 71.1, he was also #1 on special teams (90.2). Darren Hall was #2 top defensive player at 87.1, earned #1 grade in pass coverage at 83.2.
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Walter B J Mitchell
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Darren Hall was playing Garrett Williams' hybrid S/CB role in which Dadrion Taylor-Demerson also excels. Hopefully, the Cardinals can re-sign Hall to the PS. Kei'Trel Clark gets the nod for being #2 best special teams player (83.2), only behind Simi Fehoko (90.2). It's an interesting package of cover men for Cardinals: Top Zone Covers: 1 - Garrett Williams; 2 - Will Johnson; 3 - Elijah Jones; 4 -Denzel Burke; Top Man Covers: 1 - Max Melton; 2 - Dadrion Taylor-Demerson; 3 - Elijah Jones; 4 - Kei'Trel Clark. Exciting young group.
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What are your thoughts and reactions to today's moves by the Cardinals and/or to some of my reactions?

Comments

  1. Fitzfan11August 26, 2025 at 3:04 PM

    Darren Hall and Semi Fehoko deserve to be on the team.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Since 61August 26, 2025 at 3:52 PM

      Surprised by the Fehoko and Hall cuts-maybe they'll be brought back if they clear waivers. Does this mean Hernandez will be ready to practice/play before 4 games into the season? A very young group of CBs, kept a 5th rounder clearly not ready for the NFL and Will Johnson "Steal of the Draft" (Burch is) didn't look ready either. Good thing is they'll face a 7 never won a game QB and Bryce Young before the division games start.

      Looking at the depth chart:
      Strong squads- Trenches, TE, RB, S, ST
      Weak squads-ILB, CB
      WR-while not a strength or weakness but if either Wilson or MHJ misses any significant time, this squad is a liability.
      Given the cuts,Cards staff gives a whole new meaning to meaningless preseason games.

      Delete
  2. hevchvAugust 26, 2025 at 3:46 PM

    I think the Fehoko move is all about McBride. We're still going to be a running. When we get to the red zone McBride doesn't need anyone pilfering his TDs. But I still think he comes back via the taxi squad.

    ReplyDelete
  3. sneakyjobuAugust 26, 2025 at 5:19 PM

    The coaches liked the explosiveness and higher upside of Bam Knight for sure than Michael Carter. MC is a good player but would love to see him back on the PS if they have the #'s.

    Clayton Tune just did not show any down field throwing ability. He did in his first year and its likely this pre-season he looked pedestrian due to a very conservative scheme but I can't ever remember seeing him display arm talent and throw frozen ropes 20-30 yds down the field that says "this kid has got something". They will likely take a chance on a PS QB with more upside. Would love to see them find the next Joe Milton.

    Zay Jones is proven talent, there is no doubt they like Fehoko but the numbers game did not play in his favor, lets hope he makes it to the PS.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AdamAugust 26, 2025 at 8:42 PM

    Love the new site Walter. Sorry took a bit to get over here. Can't complain too much about the cuts. Like who hey kept. I don't think they are done. But would rather go younger and hungrier at some positions like they did.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walter MitchellAugust 27, 2025 at 1:13 AM

      Thank you, Adam. I agree. Commit to the young talents on the roster and develop them.

      Delete
  5. RedrunAugust 27, 2025 at 10:57 AM

    A couple of surprises for sure, but I can support the decisions for younger guys (ie Knight/Crawford).

    ReplyDelete

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