Predicting The 53-Man Roster For The Cardinals After The Final Preseason Game

Let's jump right into this one, folks. The Cardinals played their final preseason game last night against the Broncos and, unfortunately, not everyone is going to make the roster.

Here are my predictions on the ones that will end up making the team.

Quarterback:

Kevin Kolb, John Skelton, Ryan Lindley

I think these three are pretty self-explanatory. Richard Bartel is good, but didn't show as much as Lindley and the rookie has upside in his corner.

Running Back:

Beanie Wells, Ryan Williams, LaRod Stephens-Howling, Anthony Sherman (FB), William Powell

I thought Alfonso Smith would have a shot at making the roster, but Powell looked really good this preseason. I think he gets his shot.

Wide Receiver:

Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Roberts, Early Doucet, Michael Floyd, DeMarco Sampson, LaRon Byrd

Byrd was the clear standout among the undrafted wide receivers and I can't envision a scenario where he doesn't make this team.

Offensive Line:

D'Anthony Batiste, Daryn Colledge, Lyle Sendlein, Adam Snyder, Bobby Massie, Jeremy Bridges, Rich Ohrnberger, Senio Kelemete

This one could go a variety of ways. The team could retain D.J. Young due to their lack of talent at the tackle position, but I think they will try to sneak him and Nate Potter to the practice squad. Russ Hochstein is another option to make the team, but I don't see it.

Tight End:

Todd Heap, Jeff King, Rob Housler, Jim Dray

Steve Skelton looked good against the Titans, but hasn't been consistent enough overall. The team likes the blocking abilities that Dray brings with him.

Defensive Line:

Darnell Dockett, Calais Campbell, Dan Williams, David Carter, Nick Eason, Vonnie Holliday

Again, no surprises. Ronald Talley and Ricky Lumpkin don't make the cut.

Linebackers:

Sam Acho, Daryl Washington, Stewart Bradley, O'Brien Schofield, Paris Lenon, Reggie Walker, Quentin Groves, Brandon Williams

This is a position that needs youth and speed. Clark Haggans no longer provides that, so I am not sure he makes the cut. I think it comes down to him and Williams. Haggans does have an advantage with knowing the scheme very well.

Defensive Backs:

Patrick Peterson, Adrian Wilson, Kerry Rhodes, William Gay, Jamell Fleming, Justin Bethel, Rashad Johnson, James Sanders, Greg Toler, Michael Adams

A.J. Jefferson has been a favorite of mine, but I am not sure if he offers more versatility than Adams. Those two are interchangeable for me. Toler, after being my choice to be a starter this season, might not even make the team, either. This will be something to look out for.

Special Teams:

Jay Feely, Dave Zastudil, Mike Leach

The thing to keep in mind is that although these are the final 53 Cardinals I project to make the team, I don't think this will be the 53 that starts the season. Arizona will look at other waiver options as other teams make their cuts.

Who's ready for some football?

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