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Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians has called OTAs "soccer" multiple times because they practice in shorts. Without wearing pads and tackling, all you can really focus on are fundamental techniques and the mental side of things. I asked Arians about the mental side, the classroom knowledge in terms of the rookies. Who has stood out?
He basically praised his whole group of rookies, but made specific mention receiver John Brown, the team's third round pick this year.
"He's way ahead of most rookies," Arians said about the kid out of Pittsburg State. "And coming from a small school, that's unusual, but it doesn't overwhelm him at all. He learns fast and can apply it fast."
Arians also said that first round pick Deone Bucannon, who has missed time with turf toe, "was picking it up extremely quick." He called second round pick Troy Niklas "very bright" and also said he likes "all the young guys."
There was one undrafted player that BA brought up, although not by name. "We've got a young linebacker from Penn State that's doing a heck of a job," he said. That would be undrafted linebacker Glenn Carson, who also is the team's backup long snapper right now. He plays inside linebacker.
The next step for all these guys is to now perform with pads on. We'll be watching.
