Cards’ 53: By The Numbers

With today’s Cards’ 53 (By The Numbers), we are going to test your roster knowledge. Without looking at the Cardinals’ roster, how many of you can identify all of the players on this projection? Give it a try!

QB (2): 1, 7

RB (3): 22, 29, 31

TE (3): 85, 86, 87

WR (8): 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 89

OL (9): 52, 53, 64, 65, 66, 67, 74, 76, 79

DL (7): 62, 72, 91, 93, 95, 97, 98

OLB (4): 45, 50, 55, 56

ILB (5): 43, 47, 58, 59, 92

CB (4): 20, 23, 25, 33

S (5): 32, 35, 36, 38, 42

ST (3): 4, 5, 46

PS (10): 6, 34, 39, 41, 49, 51, 54, 61, 75, 84

Last 5 In: 12, 42, 66, 72, 79

12—-while he hasn’t popped a great punt return yet, he has been one of the top surprises in camp as a route runner and receiver, so much so that he deserves a roster spot, and if not, he could have trade value. If #7 hits him on the deep post at Minny, his stock would be soaring even higher. He’s getting open and he is showing good hands and RAC ability.

42—-2018 UCFA is a playmaker on STs and has shown the versatility to play FS, SS and slot CB. Showing skill in man coverage may well be his ticket to the 53.

66—-2019 7th Round pick, has been one of the nicest surprises in camp and is developing quickly at tackle.

72—-UCFA has shown up in the game as a run stopping NT—-has earned a spot, but with the 2 new additions at DT, maybe the coaches think he will clear waivers so they can groom him on the PS.

79—-2018 7th Round pick has been up and down in the games at RT. He played better at LT last year, where he played in college. Has natural ability.

Note: Cards’ GM Steve Keim said that there’s a decent chance the Cardinals will claim 4-6 players with 1st dibs on the waiver wire. 4 of these 5 are PS eligible and #12 has trade value and a Pro Bowl invite on his resume.

Last 5 Out: 37, 48, 68, 81, 84

37—-well liked RB who is versatile and a good ST player—-but hasn’t done much to distinguish himself in the games. Is PS eligible, but the coaches seem to like the two UCFAs, 34 and 49.

48—-good STs player who showed some quickness to the ball at WILB, but looks like he will be beaten out by 47, 59 and 92. If waived, he probably will be claimed.

68—-has been solid at LG on the 2nd team, but is probably going to be replaced by a waiver claim, if the coaches like the player better. if not, he could stick.

81—-hasn’t stood out at TE, but has been stalwart on STs.

84—-2019 7th Round pick needs to get stronger and if he passes through waivers, he could be developed on the PS. However, this talented receiver could be claimed by a TE needy team like the Patriots. The Cardinals’ coaches and GM have to weigh whether it is best to hold on to #86 for another year or to commit to #84 for the next 4 years. if it were up to me—-I would make the commitment to #84—-but I am getting the sense that the Cards think they can pass him through waivers.