Four rookie mini-camp invitees to know for the Arizona Cardinals

Through the course of the 2018 NFL Draft and right after, a lot of names have been linked to the Arizona Cardinals.

The hardest part is to determine who is getting signed and who is just getting a rookie mini-camp invite.

We covered the 24 rookie undrafted free agent signings.

Now, we want to take a look at four players who are not signed, but earned invites and who could make an impression like Elijhaa Penny, Krishawn Hogan and Phillip Simms have in the past.

Haston Adams, DT, 6-5, 296, Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Adams is a small school, big bodied defensive lineman with a 34” reach. He had a great career for the Crusaders, finishing with 21 sacks and 58.5 tackles for loss in his career. American Southwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Finished his 2017 season with 47 tackles, 20.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 3 PBUs and 1 FF.

Joe Davidson, P, 6-7, 232, Bowling Green.

I know what you are saying... A punter? Really? But Davidson is different.

Look at his NFL Draft Profile:

Davidson has excelled both as a punter and student at Bowling Green State University. After the 2017 season, he was a second-team Academic All-American with a double major in finance and mathematics, as well as a first-team All-MAC selection for his punting (44.0-yard gross average, 18 fair catches, 28 inside the 20 yard-line). He was a first-team Academic All-American as a junior, as well as a first-team All-MAC pick with a 45.8 gross punting average (ranked fifth in the FBS). His 43.1-yard net average ranked second in the country, as he had only three touchbacks while placing 21 punts inside the 20-yard line. The tall, lean left-footer used his full extension to earn first-team all-conference honors as a sophomore, as well.

Malcolm Washington, CB, 6-2, 189, Northern Iowa
(4.58 40, 9’ BJ, 6.95 3 cone).

Another tall, lean corner with impressive pass breakup and interception numbers after an effective junior season.

Was 2nd Team All Missouri Valley in 2016 and was 2nd in the MVFC with 4 interceptions. Had 63 tackles 18 PBUs and 2 ints as a senior.

Airius Moore, LB, 6-0, 237, North Carolina St.

From Tony Pauline:

Pos: Athletic and underrated linebacker who is overlooked in scouting circles. Displays excellent range, goes sideline to sideline and covers a lot of area on the field. Fast moving in every direction, outstanding in pursuit and explodes up the field to fill gaps in run defense. Plays with great quickness, breaks down well and effectively uses his hands. Rarely off his feet, immediately alters his angle of attack and wraps up tackling. Takes on blocks and works to stack against the run.

Analysis: Despite being surrounded by elite defensive talent, Moore was one of the most productive players on the defensive of the ball at North Carolina State the past four years. He’s a run-and-chase linebacker who stands out making plays in space and comes with a special-teams mentality.

Good luck to everyone in their opportunity to live out their dream.