Arizona Cardinals rookie mini-camp begins today

The Arizona Cardinals begin their three-day rookie mini-camp on Friday. It will be a mix of draft picks, undrafted rookies and tryout players who will be at the Cardinals facility doing work in the classroom and drills on the field. it gives the coaching staff a first look at the players who were just drafted and gives the undrafted rookies a chance to impress without the veterans around.

The actual rookie camp roster has not yet been released. We know the seven Cardinals draft picks will be there and the 14 undrafted rookies. We also know former Arizona State quarterback Taylor Kelly will be there. After that, things might change right up until the start of camp.

Players can make an impression, and it is the mental side of things that make a difference, as the drills are without pads on. The coaches get to see whether or not players can learn the football they need.

Last year, four tryout players -- running back Jalen Parmele, receiver Kevin Ozier, cornerback Jimmy Legree and tackle Corey Brandon all were added to the offseason roster after they showed enough to the coaches and others failed to learn what was needed or expected. Legree is still on the roster after having spent all 2014 on the practice squad. Parmele briefly spent time on the 53-man roster in 2014 as well.

There is a little less intrigue this year because the Cardinals didn't draft a quarterback. Last year it was the first look the media got of Logan Thomas, who showed off his arm (and his inaccuracies). This time around, there is no rookie quarterback intrigue. There is plenty to watch, but nothing nearly as exciting as seeing what a newly drafted quarterback is able to do.

There will be media access, so there should be a story or two to come out of camp.