Cardinals' Roster Competitions by Position
by Walter Mitchell
With the Cardinals first pre-season game at home versus the Chiefs on tap for Saturday, here are some roster competitions that may get very interesting to monitor.
QB2:
Jacoby Brissett, Clayton Tune
At this time last year, the universal presumption was that Desmond Ridder, then 8-9 as an NFL starter, would command the QB2 role ahead of Clayton Tune, but Tune clearly outplayed Ridder to win the job. Given Jacoby Brissett's handsome salary and connection to Drew Petzing, it may take a miracle for Clayton Tune to win the job this year, but who will outplay whom this pre-season? Can Clayton Tune play well enough to warrant a roster spot?
RB4:
DeeJay Dallas, Michael Carter
Curious that at the end of last season, the coaches gave the rock to Michael Carter (35 carries, 11 receptions) ahead of DeeJay Dallas (9 carries, 3 receptions). DeeJay has been the team's primary kickoff returner since signing his 3-year contract last season, but his guaranteed money has been used up and if the coaches want to give Greg Dortch every touch he can get in the return game, perhaps Michael Carter has a stronger roster spot opportunity this year.
TE4:
Travis Vokolek, Josiah Deguara
Will the Cardinals keep 4 TEs this season? After all, they do run a hefty slate of 12 and 13 personnel packages. Travis Vokolek has been blocking at a very high level in camp, winning his share of one-on-ones against the Cardinals' edge rushers, while Josiah Deguara for his career (4 years with GB, 1 year with JAC) has caught 50 of 61 passes for 450 yards (9.0) and 2 TDs.
WR5:
Xavier Weaver, Simi Fehoko, Tejhuan Palmer
Xavier Weaver and Tejhuan Palmer have been making splash plays in camp, while Simi Fehoko (1-year, $1.75M contract) has been nursing a leg injury.
C2:
Jonathan Gaines II, Hayden Conner
Jon Gaines II, who was having a superb camp, is rehabbing a thump injury, which gives Hayden Conner, the Cardinals' 6th round pick from Texas, an opportunity to solidify a roster spot as a swing C/G.
RG2:
Royce Newman, Jake Curhan
With Will Hernandez on the PUP list and Jon Gaines II coping with a thumb injury, UFAs Royce Newman and Jake Curhan could be in position to make the roster. Both have NFL experience as spot starters, with the Bucs and Bears respectively.
RT2:
Christian Jones, Josh Fryar
Both Christian Jones and Josh Fryar have been taking snaps at both LT and RT to see whether they could be the backup swing tackle to Kelvin Beachum. Both have held their own in the team's one-on-one blocking drills. Fryar's connection to new OL coach Justin Frye is intriguing.
NT2:
L.J. Collier, Elijah Simmons
Veteran L.J. Collier is now listed as the backup NT and may have to fend off CFA camp standout Elijah Simmons for a roster spot.
DT3:
Justin Jones, Kyon Barrs
With Bilal Nichols on the PUP list (neck injury) and Justin Jones dealing with a knee ailment, newly signed UFL via USC and University of Arizona DT Kyon Barrs, who has flashed in defensive line drills over the past week or so.
SOLB1
Zaven Collins, Baron Browning
While it appears that Zaven Collins will be counted on in stopping the run, Baron Browning has been looking like a natural fit in the all-purpose "Reddick" role.
WILB1
Akeem Davis-Gaither, Owen Pappoe
The coaches have indicated that the competition at inside linebacker has been tight and while UFA signee Akeem Davis-Gaither is currently listed as the starter at WILB, Owen Pappoe has been making a push to win the job.
ED4
Jordan Burch, Xavier Thomas
Both Jordan Burch and Xavier Thomas have been garnering praise from the coaches with regard to their pass rushing off the edge. With B.J. Ojulari on the PUP list, there's a strong chance that both of these young talents will make the roster and be in the edge rusher rotation.
RCB2
Kei'Trel Clark, Denzel Burke
Kei'Trel Clark and Denzel Burke have been turning in strong, praiseworthy efforts in camp.
S4
Joey Blount, Kitan Crawford
Both may be counted to be key special teamers. Could one of them earn a role as a sub package Cover 2 safety?
LC2
Elijah Jones, Ekow Boye-Doe, Darren Hall
Elijah Jones, Ekow Boye-Dow and Darren Hall have made impressive pass breakups in recent practices. Who will make the strongest roster case?
Please tell us whom you favor in these competitions. I will chime in with mine after several of you post yours.
Have any rookies or second year players been noticeable outside of Will Johnson or Elijah Simmons in camp?
ReplyDeleteDE Jordan Burch, LB Cody Simon, CB Denzel Burke, C/G Hayden Conner (after slow start, has been playing well) and S Kitan Crowford. They all look like safe bets to make the roster, Flash.
DeleteI really like the Denzel Burke pick. He's going to be a quality rotational player.
DeleteKeep Carter and use Dortch as a returner more is the smart move. WR5-toss up but I like Weavers speed. With Hernandez back, keep Gaines, Connor Fryer and C Jones and let Curhan and Newman walk. Whomever our OL keeps works for me. I know little and have seen less from ADG and am a big Pappoe booster, so I want Pappoe to stick at WILB. Ojulari ever gonna get off the PUP? DEPTH WE GOT DEPTH!
ReplyDeleteCopy all of that, 61. Hopefully Jon Gaines' thumb injury can heal quickly. I think Josh Fryar has a decent chance to win a spot.
DeleteShould be fun to watch. I want to see how the second unit offensive line looks as I think we are starting to see more quality depth behind the starters. I am happy we brought back Hernandez as you can never have too much talent in the trenches. Jordan Burch is who I really want to watch to see what he looks like in his first NFL game. We may have gotten a steal in the third round, especially if he is just starting to tap into his potential. It will be interesting to see how the CBs look. Guys I want to take steps mainly are Chris Jones and Burch. It will be interesting to see who makes the 53 man roster when all is said and done. I agree with keeping Carter but I thought Dallas was a solid special steamer last year.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct, K83, DeeJay Dallas was a good special teamer last year. He had the NFL's 1st kickoff return TD of the new alignment and his overall STs grade was 72.7, with 3 tackles and 5 assists.
DeleteI will have a keen eye on watching the D-line rotation and WR4/5. Would love to see any combination of the young studs(D Rob/Elijah) to pop. Also wondering what will happen to Michael Wilson now that Zay Jones has replaced him essentially.
ReplyDelete