Observations from final Arizona Cardinals OTAs practice

After three weeks and 10 practices of OTAs (organized team activities) for the Arizona Cardinals, we are done with the voluntary part of the offseason. Next week is mini-camp, which has required attendance. Then after a few weeks off, the team will regroup at the end of July for training camp.

I was on the scene for the final practice. Here are a few thoughts.

There was no Larry Fitzgerald (he was absent) and receiver Michael Floyd sat out. He was on the exercise bikes. The injury has not been stated, but he has had hamstring troubles it seems every offseason at some point. That meant a lot of work for John Brown, who has looked really good.

Other players on the sideline on the exercise bikes were running back Kerwynn Williams, who suffered a hamstring injury on Monday and was expected to sit out the rest of the week, linebacker Shaq Riddick, linebacker Markus Golden and defensive back Darren Woodard. Linebacker Zack Wagenmann I'm sure was out, but I didn't see him on the bikes.

Bruce Arians continues to rotate the guys working as QB3. There was more Phillip Sims, but Chandler Harnish and Logan Thomas also got work in.

Arians would not name any specific young players who stood out or progressed more than others, but indicated progress was made. He did point out Earl Watford had been good in OTAs and has practiced at four positions and could push for playing time at three (Arians said he was no good at center and Jared Veldheer is locked in at left tackle).

Rookie David Johnson's name came up. He looks good as a pass catcher.

Arians said he would like to expand what Robert Hughes does on offense.

Arians said there will be a lot of players in the mix at nickel cover position -- Jerraud Powers, Tyrann Mathieu and even safeties Tony Jefferson and Deone Bucannon.

Jerraud Powers mentioned the work on tackling every day, at least the technique. He said the team gave up about 1300 yards in missed tackles.

There is good competition in the secondary and there is versatility.

Calais Campbell called this team "special."

That's a wrap for now. I have audio from Arians, Powers and Campbell. I will have some stories over the next couple of days from their quotes, plus quotes from some of the radio interviews there have been over the last few days.