Cards 53 + 12: Early Projection

One of the greatest challenges of picking the 53 man roster is weighing the present with the future. I believe that the youthful talent and a strong commitment to player development could very well prevail.

Offense (25)

QB1: 1—-Kyler Murray—-primed to continue growth as leader and top playmaker

QB2: 7—-Brett Hundley—-ready to resume backup role, if cleared of DV charges

QB3: 15—-Chris Streveler—-wildcat who could excel on STs

RB1: 41—-Kenyan Drake—-elated to be bell cow for 1st time in college and pro career

RB2: 29—-Chase Edmonds—-his talent is just scratching the surface

RB3: 26—-Eno Benjamin—-excited to see him play on offense and STs

Y/TE1: 11—-Larry Fitzgerald—-thriving in the flex Y slot made easier by Hopkins addition

Y/TE2: 87—-Maxx Williams—-blocking stud who is a better receiver than people think

Y/TE3: 82—-Dan Arnold—-Kyler is a big fan of Big Dan

WR1: 10—-DeAndre Hopkins—-eager to build on All Pro resume in Arizona

WR2: 13—-Christian Kirk—-he should see a ton of single coverage

WR3: 89—-Andy Isabella—-deep threat becomes key part of offense

WR4: 12—-Jo Jo Ward—-has the wheels and playmaking ability to shine in K-Raid

WR5: 18—-Hakeem Butler—-used as both a big target RAC X and Y

WR6: 19—-KeeSean Johnson—-could make some timely contributions in WR rotation

LT1: 74—-D.J. Humphries—-big year on a big contract

LT2: 79—-Josh Jones—-poised to step in a play if needed

LG1: 67—-Justin Pugh—-emerging as leader up front

LG2: 78—-Brett Toth—-coaches could try to groom him to be the heir to Pugh at LG

C1: 52—-Mason Cole—-brings added athleticism to middle

C2: 65—-Lamont Gaillard—-could push to win center job and facilitate move of Cole to G

RG1: 64—-J.R. Sweezy—-coaches have faith that he will be highly productive this year

RG2: 62—-Joshua Miles—-coaches slide him to G thanks to depth at T and he fits here

RT1: 71—-Justin Murray—-blossomed the last 6 weeks, will need to stave off Gilbert and Jones

RT2: 76—-Marcus Gilbert—-has chance to reclaim the starting job with big camp

Defense (25)—-34 Base

LDE1: 94—-Zach Allen—-has good chance to thrive in 2nd year

LDE2: 90—-Jonathan Bullard—-good run stuffer who could see PT on running downs

NT1: 98—-Corey Peters—-brings excellent leadership and cometitiveness

NT2: 95—-Leki Fotu—-heir to Peters at NT, could start games in jumbo DT package

RDE1: 97—-Jordan Phillips—-most physically imposing RDE since Calais Campbell

RDE2: 92—-Rashard Lawrence—-should contribute in DT/34DE rotation

RDE3: 91—-Michael Dogbe—-has chance to emerge as one of team’s nickel DT pass rushers

LOLB1: 42—-Devon Kennard—-described by Vance Jospeh as “perfect fit” at SOLB

LOLB2: 49—-Kylie Fitts—-graded well in 39 snaps last year, setting and rushing edge

LILB1: 58—-Jordan Hicks—-could be even more productive with defensive line upgrades

LILB2: 45—-Dennis Gardeck—-with his aggressive style, could find a role on D this year

RILB1: 57—-De’Vondre Campbell—-looks like the most talented WILB since D-Wash

RILB2: 50—-Evan Weaver—-could earn PT on running downs and star on STs

ROLB1: 55—-Chandler Jones—-looking to remain NFL’s leader in sacks the last 5 years

ROLB2: 43—-Hasson Reddick—-as sup-package pass rusher has chance to shine

LCB1: 21—-Patrick Peterson—-big contract year for 7 time Pro Bowler

LCB2: 33—-Byron Murphy—-counted on to be nickel CB in the slot

LCB3: 36—-Zane Lewis—-top priority UCFA with length and ballhawking ability

SS1: 48—-Isaiah Simmons—-with $40M invested in 4 veteran LBs, Simmons starts here

SS2: 34—-Jalen Thompson—-ready to build off good rookie season

SS3: 47—-Ezekiel Turner—-primed to make push for Pro Bowl ST bid

FS1: 32—-Budda Baker—-says he loves playing FS after Pro Bowl season

FS2: 35—-Deionte Thompson—-talented and versatile sub package defender

RCB1: 23—-Robert Alford—-coaches like his game and attitude

RCB2: 25—-Chris Jones—-coming off solid year as backup, part-time starter

Special Teams (3)

P: 4—-Andy Lee—-will have to stave off the talented Ryan Winslow

K: 5—-Zane Gonzalez—-looking to build off of best season

LS: 46—-Aaron Brewer—-looking for another solid year on STs

Practice Squad (12)

RB Jonathan Ward

TE Darrell Daniels*

WR Trent Sherfield* (note players can be brought up from PS and activated for games this year)

WR Devin Phelps

G Steven Gonzalez

T Jackson Dennis

NT Miles Brown

DE Adam Shuler

ILB Tanner Vallejo*

OLB Reggie Walker*

CB Jace Whittaker

CB Bejour Wilson

2021 Free Agents

RB Kenyan Drake

TE/Y Larry Fitzgerald

RG J.R. Sweezy

RT Justin Murray (RFA)

RT Marcus Gilbert

NT Corey Peters

DT Jonathan Bullard

ILB De’Vondre Campbell

OLB Hasson Reddick

CB Patrick Peterson

S Budda Beker

P Andy Lee

K Zane Gonzalez

Bubble Players/Roster and PS Hopefuls

QB Drew Anderson

RB D.J. Foster

TE Parker Houston

TE Ryan Becker

WR Johnny Dixon

WR A.J. Richardson

WR Jeremiah Braswell

WR Shane Leatherbury

WR Rashad Medaris

G/C Max Garcia

G Sam Jones

G Drew Dickinson

T Jake Benzinger

DT Trevon Coley

DE T.J. Carter

OLB Vontarrius Dora

CB Andre Chachere

CB Jalen Davis

CB Duke Thomas

CB Sojourn Shelton

CB Jarren Williams

S Chris Banjo

S Charles Washington

S Reggie Floyd

P Ryan Winslow

Last 7 Out of 53 Man Roster*

WR Trent Sherfield

TE Darrell Daniels

C/G Max Garcia

ILB Tanner Vallejo

OLB Vontarrius Dora

S Chris Banjo

S Charles Washington

*Note—-all have ST upside

Last 7 In:

QB Chris Streveler

WR KeeSean Johnson

G Brett Toth

G Joshua Miles

DE Michael Dogbe

CB Zane Lewis

S Ezekiel Turner

Player Development Goal*

All of the Cardinals 2019 and 2020 draft picks still on roster, save for TE Caleb Wilson (signed off Cardinals’ PS by Redskins).

Which players on my 53 man roster and 12 man practice squad do you agree with?

Which players would you add and take out?