Bird Droppings: Arizona Cardinals back to work, mum on the defense and more

Happy Thursday one and all. Hope your week is going well, we are close to the weekend and are closer to the NFL Draft, three weeks away, which is a blink of the eye in NFL terms.

There is plenty of news from around the web on the Arizona Cardinals, so let’s get to it.

Cardinals’ Defensive Plan Still Under Wraps
Players still learning the basics early in offseason

Cardinals Blogs
Niklas moves on, and the Cards at tight end

Steve Wilks opens his Cardinals era focused first on daily progress - Arizona Cardinals Blog- ESPN
Winning the Super Bowl is everybody's goal -- as it should be -- but the new Cardinals coach insists on taking care of day-to-day objectives first.

ESPN's Kiper, McShay have Cardinals taking Louisville CB Jaire Alexander
In their annual dueling mock draft, ESPN experts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay both have the Cardinals taking Jaire Alexander out of Louisville.

Patriots reportedly sign former Cardinals tight end Troy Niklas
According to Ian Rapoport, former Arizona Cardinals tight end Troy Niklas has agreed to a 1-year deal with the New England Patriots.

Boise State's Leighton Vander Esch reportedly visiting Cardinals
Boise State linebacker and first round draft prospect Leighton Vander Esch is visiting the Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Cardinals trade up in draft for Baker Mayfield in latest mock draft | Cards Wire
They move up to the 6th overall pick to land their franchise quarterback.

Former Cal CB Marloshawn Franklin stands out in workout for Cardinals | Cards Wire
He could be a target as a priority rookie free agent.

Cardinals trade up to draft QB Lamar Jackson in new mock draft | Cards Wire
The move costs them their second-round pick to move up five spots.

Mel Kiper says no QB for Cardinals in Rds. 1-2; Todd McShay says yes | Cards Wire
See who they pick for the Cardinals in the first two rounds in a dueling mock draft.

Patriots sign former Cardinals TE Troy Niklas | Cards Wire
He set a career high with 11 receptions in 2017.