This is the thread where we Cardinals’ fans have the opportunity to play GM.
Therefore, here are the moves that I would make myself (with explanations):
QB (2): Kyler Murray; Chris Streveler
PS (1): Kyle Sloter
It could be that the Cardinals are planning to keep 3 QB and are basically trying to decide which QB2 to dress on game days---which right now would appear to be the multi-talented Chris Streveler.
But, seeing as Streveler has impressed the coaches enough to consider him as game active worthy as Brett Hundley, it feels like the Cardinals could move on from Hundley. They have been trying out a number of QBs over the past few weeks, but the best option, in my opinion, would be to bring back Kyle Sloter, who knows the offense and fits the system well.
RB (3): Kenyan Drake, Chase Edmonds, Eno Benjamin
PS (2): Jonathan Ward, D.J. Foster
Interesting to hear Steve Keim say that the RB competition is one of the 4 most heated ones on the roster. We know the coaches and players appreciate D.J. Foster’s ST’s ability and it would be surprising if he got claimed off waivers. However, the player who might be making it tough on the coaches to waive is Jonathan Ward---and the 53rd roster spot may come down to one Ward or the other, Jonathan or JoJo. With other teams eyeing the Cardinals’ depth at WR, I think the keeper here is JoJo---but it’s possible both Wards might make the 53 man roster if the coaches find a way.
WR (7): Larry Fitzgerald, DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk, Andy Isabella, KeeSean Johnson, Trent Sherfield, JoJo Ward
Trade: WR Hakeem Butler to the Jets for OLB Frankie Luvu and a 2021 7th round pick.
The Jets recently claimed former Cardinals’ CFA CB Zane Lewis and Lewis can attest to Hakeem Butler’s talent. The truth is, Butler is too deep on the depth chart in Arizona to be active on game days. Plus, with the emergence of big TE/”Y” receiver Dan Arnold, that gives the Cardinals the big receiver they have been looking for.
In this trade with the Jets, the Cardinals receive OLB Frankie Luvu (Washington St. CFA 18) who, in limited action, has 4 career NFL sacks, plus a 2021 7th round pick.
PS: Johnnie Dixon
TE (3): Maxx Williams, Dan Arnold, Darrell Daniels
PS: Dylan Cantrell
I think the coaches are happy with the TE group as it currently is, provided that Maxx Williams can stay healthy.
OL (9): D.J. Humphries, Justin Pugh, Mason Cole; J.R. Sweezy, Kelvin Beachum, Justin Murray, Josh Jones, Lamont Gaillard, Joshua Miles
The fact that Justin Murray is receiving high praise at both tackle and guard indicates that he will be a swing G/T, if he doesn’t start.
Trade: G Max Garcia to the Eagles for a conditional 6th round pick. If Garcia starts more that half the games, the Cardinals acquire a 6th round pick in 2021. If not, they receive a 2021 7th rounder.
PS: T Brett Toth, G Koda Martin, G Sam Jones
Koda Martin looked pretty solid at RG in the scrimmage.
DI (6): Zach Allen, Corey Peters, Jordan Phillips, Leki Fotu, Rashard Lawrence, Michael Dogbe
PS: Jonathan Bullard, Miles Brown
It’s a tough decision between Bullard and Dogbe. I chose Dogbe because he offers pass rush ability and I feel as we we can turn to Leki Fotu to help stop the run in a jumbo package with Peters and Phillips. But this is one of the tougher decisions because Bullard is a good run stuffer.
ILB (5): Jordan Hicks, De’Vondre Campbell, Isaiah Simmons, Evan Weaver, Tanner Vallejo
PS: Zeke Turner
I keep going back and forth between Turner and Vallejo. Turner has been more durable and productive on STs---but, when healthy, Vallejo brings very good speed and tackling ability. Plus he’s an asset in pass coverage. The key point for me is that I could see the coaches using Vallejo in coverage for Hicks in one of the sub packages, whereas Turner has yet to find a role on the defense. Vallejo and Turner may have some trade value for a team looking to bolster its STs talent.
OLB (5): Chandler Jones, Devon Kennard, Haason Reddick, Dennis Gardeck, Frankie Luvu
PS: Kylie Fitts, Reggie Walker
CB (6): Patrick Peterson, Dre Kirkpatrick, Byron Murphy, Chris Jones, Ken Crawley, Jace Whittaker
PS: Kevin Peterson
S (4): Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Deionte Thompson, Charles Washington
Charles Washington and Trent Sherfield are the best gunners on the team, imo---we have to keep them, although the STs coaches are also very high on Chris Banjo---but if Banjo clears waivers, the Cardinals could keep him active on game days under the new PS rules.
PS: Chris Banjo
ST (3): Zane Gonzalez, Andy Lee, Gabe Brewer
PS: Matt McCrane, Ryan Winslow
I think the wisest thing for teams to do is keep a backup K and P on the 16 player PS.
These are my picks (not necessarily a prediction of who the coaches will pick).
It’s your turn. Who are your picks (53 + 16)?
The ROTB poster who gets the highest number of the 69 correct wins a New Era Cardinals hat mailed to you via Amazon.com.