Although rookie minicamps have begun and all of the young players are learning some of the plays and getting some work in, the title of "rookie" camp can be a bit misleading. Currently, nine of the players attending these workouts are veteran players, having been on the Cardinals or another NFL roster at one point or another.
These specific players are each eligible to participate in these activities because they have not spent enough time on an active 53 man NFL roster. To see who they are and which ones could make the team this season, hit the jump.
Here's the list of veterans participating in the rookie minicamp via Darren Urban:
Nine holdovers participating: DT Lumpkin, WR I. Williams, T Young, C Bartholomew, G Stewart, LB Sturdivant, TE Webb, TE Skelton, RB Powell
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) May 11, 2012
Many of these players have been part of the organization for a couple of years now, while others are still considered fresh faces. For example, wide receiver Isaiah Williams has been released and then re-signed to the team multiple times. He is still searching for his chance to break out and get on the field.
Then you have someone like D.J. Young, an offensive tackle who was placed on the active roster last season so as to prevent other teams from signing him away. Given the lack of depth at the tackle position, Young could quite possibly find his way onto the 53 man team.
Quan Sturdivant is another interesting name. After being drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Sturdivant was released before the season started and signed to the practice squad. If Stewart Bradley continues to struggle and the need for another inside linebacker arises, Sturdivant could be the guy to fill that role.
The two interior linemen (Bartholomew and Stewart) could vie for spots, but with the signing of Adam Snyder and fifth round selection Senio Kelemete now in the fold, the chances they make it on board have thinned out. The same goes for the tight ends. The Cardinals will be looking for Rob Housler to develop even more this season and with veterans Todd Heap, Jeff King and Jim Dray still here, the position is pretty full.
Lastly, Ricky Lumpkin could be a name to watch out for. The 6'4" 300 pound giant joined the Cardinals before the 2011 season and if not for the fast emergence of David Carter and Ronald Talley, he could have been the guy the Cards called upon to help provide a body on the defensive line. The team is actively pursuing Vonnie Holliday in the hopes to re-sign him, but if they can't, Lumpkin could be an option at either the nose or possibly, defensive end.
What do you think? Which of these nine veterans participating in the rookie camps could make the roster this season?
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