Arizona Cardinals Rookie Class Offers Hope for Now and the Future

In ten days the Cardinals will be starting training camp. Here are some thoughts of this year’s exciting rookie class.

3---QB Josh Rosen---I think he will compete very diligently to become the starting QB and if he lights up the scoreboard in the pre-season games and wins the respect of the veterans, he has a chance to be the starter.

6---QB Charles Kanoff---most likely he is playing for a spot on the practice squad, but think of what a boon it would be if he develops as the long-term #2 behind Josh Rosen.

29---RB Chase Edmonds---the Chase is on, what a workout warrior he is and the more comfortable and productive he becomes, the more the Cardinals are going to be able to take advantage of David Johnson’s outstanding versatility.

45---RB Sherman Badie---loved his game tape at Tulane as he reminded me a little of fellow Green Wave star RB Matt Forte. Would have to dazzle on STs to make roster and prove he is durable.

87---TE Alec Bloom---Josh Rosen is going to make one of these rookie TEs look outstanding. Bloom has the size, speed and hands to be the one.

89---TE Andrew Vollert---unlike Bloom who was under-utilized at UConn, Vollert was the main man for years at Weber St. He reminds me a little of Jay Novacek.

64---C Mason Cole---if he develops a special chemistry with Josh Rosen, his starting days at center could be sooner rather than later. Has the physical traits to be a top notch performer in the pivot.

79---T Corey Cunningham---I think he’s too gifted athletically to risk placing him on waivers. He could be the starting RT as early as next season.

60---G Will House---small school All-Star with good size and power. Does he have the feet to compete?

75---T Brant Weiss---he was the star of a Toledo line that dominated and put up huge numbers. I think he is going to make a good impression and case for the PS.

82---WR C.J. Duncan---tough kid, makes plays in traffic, could be a stud on STs.

13---WR Christian Kirk---I think he and Josh Rosen are going to explode onto the scene. Should make the Cardinals punt return game relevant again.

16---WR Trent Sherfield---could become this year’s Jaron Brown if he excels on STs, makes clutch catches as he did at Vanderbilt and blocks his tail off.

17---WR Jalen Tolliver---here’s my #1 rookie sleeper, a WR with size, sneaky separation skills and excellent hands.

83---WR Corey Wills---wins from the slot, especially in the red zone. This kid is a gamer. We’re going to like him, at the very least to be on the PS.

61---DE Moubarak Djeri---has some explosion to his pass rush and thus could win the #4 DE spot if he can assimilate quickly to the speed and physicality of the NFL.

94---DE Alec James---all-purpose type DE who can stuff the run and bull rush the passer. Could find a niche as an interior rusher in the nickel.

97---DT Owen Obasuyi---at 6-4, 308, the Big O dominated at times at Hampton. Would be fantastic if he can step into Xavier Williams’ old role.

92---LB Dennis Gardeck---he’s my #2 sleeper---gifted athlete who is physical and fast.

50---LB Airus Moore---liked him a lot at NC State---instinctive and quick to the ball. Clutch in short yardage situations.

49---LB Matthew Oplinger---gritty competitor who can play outside and inside and be a stalwart on STs.

33---CB Chris Campbell---I believe he is the RCBOF---has the CB DNA that Wilks likes due to size, athleticism and competitive fire. Like Budda Baker, must first make a splash on STs.

39---CB Deatrich Nichols---will make a splash as a nickel CB, but will also prove he can be highly competitive on the perimeter. Good tackler.

34---CB/FS Tavierre Thomas---he’s my sleeper #3 and I think can make the roster if he proves he can play CB and FS, a la a young Tyvon Branch. Has speed and ball skills.

38---S A.J. Howard---hand picked by Wilks from Appalachian State, his alma mater. Can make roster if he excels on STs and as a sub package safety.

47---S Zeke Turner---STs ace who is going to make some noise as a hitter.

1---K Matt McCrane---his leg whip and follow through are special, which is why he was so spectacularly accurate at Kansas St. Has a chance to win the job if he can gain the confidence of his coaches and teammates.

At this early stage, if you were to guess, which rookies do you think will make the Cardinals’ 53 man roster and which ones would you like to see the team sign to the practice squad?