Way too early Cardinals 53 man roster

hy5junjv mThe offseason workouts are over. Players get to go home and relax for a few weeks before Training Camp calls their names.

But now that we enter the dead portion of the offseason, it is acceptable to create needless lists and a lot of debates. That is why the purpose of this piece is to make a way too early outlook on the Cardinals 53 man roster. The names will be in order of where I believe this will end camp on the Depth Chart. The following views are my own.

Quarterback:

Sam Bradford
Josh Rosen

Yeah okay Alex, you’re crazy. We’re rolling with only an injury prone QB and a rookie QB? Super realistic.

Hear me out, Bradford will make it through camp and Preseason healthy. He and Rosen will “battle” it out for the starting job, but ultimately it’s Bradford’s to lose. This would leave Arizona in a rough spot. Do they keep a third QB with Bradford’s injury concerns or add another body to a position that is in need? In my opinion they will use that extra spot on another position. If they really want to address a third name they could add them to their Practice Squad.

Position #: 2

Roster #: 2

Running Back:

David Johnson
Chase Edmonds
TJ Logan
Derrick Coleman (FB)

David Johnson? Check. Two possible return specialists? Check. Fullback? Check.

I think the Running Back position is the most clear cut on paper. You have your return specialist in TJ Logan who could provide a use on third down. Chase Edmonds is the same. He will provide third down ability, and when Johnson needs a breather he’s the first guy who will take the field. Coleman is the clear cut Fullback for me. Penny’s tenure in Arizona ends.

Position #: 4

Roster #: 6

Wide Receiver:

Larry Fitzgerald
Chad Williams
Brice Butler
Christian Kirk
JJ Nelson

A good balance of youth and experience. The ageless wonder Larry Fitzgerald will headline the room again. Chad Williams will make that step to take his roll as the teams second receiver, and Brice Butler will add another voice to the room. Kirk will see plenty of time as rookie, and will put JJ Nelson on the roster bubble every week.

Position #: 5

Roster #: 11

Tight End:

Jermaine Gresham
Ricky Seals-Jones
Gabe Holmes
Andrew Vollert

Gresham might not be ready to go week one. So we’re playing it safe and adding a fourth tight end. Seals-Jones and Holmes have very little NFL experience. Vollert has none. This position is probably the one with the biggest questions Little NFL experience, but quite a lot of upside.

Position #: 4

Roster #: 15

Offensive Line:

DJ Humphries
Mike Iupati
Mason Cole
Justin Pugh
Andre Smith

AQ Shipley
Will Holden
Evan Boehm
John Wetzel

My starters are italicized only. I do believe Mason Cole has a strong opportunity to earn the starting center job. My backups offer versatility outside of Shipley, who we are keeping just because of the youth at center. Cardinals seventh round pick Korey Cunningham is a practice squad candidate in my eyes.

Position #: 9

Roster #: 24

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Defensive Line:

Chandler Jones
Markus Golden
Robert Nkemdiche
Cory Peters
Olsen Pierre
Benson Mayowa
Pasoni Tasini
Rodney Gunter
Bryson Albright
Moubarak Djeri

The Cardinals make their transition to a 4-3 defense under new coach Steve Wilks. Chandler Jones and Markus Golden are your definite keepers. Robert Nkemdiche has earned the interest of Steve Wilks and Cory Peters has been a consistent piece in the center of the line.

Olsen Pierre was quietly good in 2017, recording 5.5 sacks and 30 tackles in his first extended look. The rest of these guys will be rotational players, with Djeri being a strong practice squad candidate if the team wants to allocate its roster spot elsewhere.

Position #: 10

Roster #: 34

Linebacker:

Deone Bucannon
Haason Reddick
Joshy Bynes
Jeremy Cash
Scooby Wright III
Airius Moore

The starters are easy to see on paper. The backups are easy to spot as well. Moore and Wright both offer special teams ability, but can play if needed. Cash has spent time with Wilks and will bring a comfort level on the field when needed.

Position #: 6

Roster #: 40

Secondary:

Patrick Peterson
Jamar Taylor
Chris Campbell
Antoine Bethea
Budda Baker
Rudy Ford
Zeke Turner
Brandon Williams
Bene Benwikere
Deatrick Nichols

The safety duo of Baker and Bethea will remain the same. Both Ford and Turner offer special teams capabilities, and I believe Arizona may have found a gem in Turner.

Peterson will headline the cornerback room again, while recently acquired Jamar Taylor will provide stability opposite him. I don’t believe we will see a lot of Campbell early on, but when teams go four or five wide, he will be the first name called.

Position #: 10

Roster #: 50

Special Teams:

Andy Lee
Aaron Brewer
Phil Dawson

Easy enough. The rookie Matt McCrane might have an opportunity, but having not been at the practices in person I cannot choose him over the proven veteran.

Position #: 3

Roster #: 53

What say you? I am curious to see your version so post it here or create a Fanpost for it!

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