:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36211366/20140726_rnb_ak4_139.JPG.0.jpg)
Arizona Cardinals receiver Walt Powell, the team's sixth round selection in this year's NFL Draft, has a battle to make the roster.
He is part of a deep receiving corps that includes Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, Ted Ginn and, the sweetheart of the offseason, John Brown. Whether Bruce Arians keeps five or six receivers could determine Powell's roster status. He is battling Jaron Brown, Brittan Golden and others for that fifth receiver spot.
I talked to Powell for a couple of minutes after practice and he said that "it's really exciting" being part of a group that includes veteran players like Fitzgerald and Ginn. "Growing up watching these guys play football, I always wanted to play like them, so it's a blessing to just get critiqued by them because I'm one of their teammates now," he said.
Powell is reasonable with his Year 1 expectations. He said the team has "got a great group of receivers," in the which he made sure to include himself, "but I just feel like my role right now is to do my best on special teams and make plays on special teams."
His name has been brought up as a possibility in the return game. Powell said returning kicks or punts are "probably not this year." He said that other areas like kickoff team and coverage, punt team, gunner and punt rush are areas "for sure" where he will impact.
Powell was a very good special teamer at Murray State in college. It is one big reason why the Cardinals drafted him. It will allow him to make plays early in his career and the opportunity to develop as a receiver. Think of how Justin Bethel has done it. He has been a Pro Bowl special teams player. Now he is developing into a promising cornerback, who very well could be in the starting mix next year after Antonio Cromartie's one-year deal is up.
What do you hope to see from Powell? Can he be an impact player and can he make the roster over Jaron Brown?
