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Preseason games are the best way to tell if a prospective player is NFL ready. While the scores and records in preseason may not matter, the players still treat each game like it's a playoff match.
Whose stock is heading up and whose stock is heading down after the first game?
Trending Up: Ronald Talley
A holdover from Whisenhunt, he was able to record multiple tackles and get consistent push against the Packers. Even with the defensive line struck with injuries to the point of signing DE Codian Hagans for depth, Talley needs a strong preseason in order to see the field due to the fact that there are other players who can play on the line if need be, e.g. Matt Shaughnessy.
Trending Down: Will Batson
If Arians is keeping his promise about having only the best 53 players on his roster, Will Batson is on his way out the door. Batson was brought in specifically to provide competition for Dave Zastudil and Jay Feely. His two, from 34 and 41 yards severely handicapped his chances of making the roster.
Trending Down: Kerry Taylor
Like Shaun mentioned in his analysis of position battles, both Hawkins and Brown showed an ability to get open and both caught every ball that was targeted at them, providing much of the Cardinals offense. Bad news for Taylor who sat out due to a hamstring injury.
Trending Up: Stepfan Taylor
The Cardinals have five running backs on the roster. Barring bizarre decisions at least one of those players will be cut. Stepfan Taylor spent the majority of the offseason away from the team as he needed to finish school, yet just a few weeks later he was able to take the majority of carries while Mendenhall, Williams and Ellington didn't play due to injuries.