Cutdown Saturday is a tough day for NFL fans and players. However, because of where the Arizona Cardinals stand with potential waiver claims, there is extra intrigue this year. The Cardinals have the No. 1 claim priority in the waiver wire order, meaning they can claim any player with less than years of experience.
Given that they have a few spots open (they only have 51 spots filled, and that will drop to 50 with Robert Alford going to IR), they will almost assuredly claim at least 3 players, with a high likelihood that it could be even more.
The positions of need are obvious. They only have 3 active cornerbacks, so they will likely claim at least one if not two, and they have needs at backup tackle and along the defensive line.
Here are a few players to keep an eye on.
DT John Franklin-Myers
Let go by the Los Angeles Rams, Franklin-Myers was a very surprising cut, given that he played a key rotational role along the Rams line last year. He even had a sack in the Super Bowl.
The Cardinals will likely take a long hard look at a player that can instantly help them, given that he played in Wade Phillips defense, which is similar in scheme to Vance Joseph’s.
Also watch for: Carl Davis, DT, Cleveland Browns
CB Briean Boddy-Calhoun
It’s not super surprising to see Boddy-Calhoun being cut by the Houston Texans, although he likely has as much starting experience as any cornerback that was let go on cutdown day.
He started 22 games in his first three seasons, all with Cleveland. He would offer quality depth instantly.
Also watch for: Corn Elder, CB, Carolina Panthers
OT Darrell Williams
Williams is not a well-known name and there’s a reason for that. Good offensive lineman being cut are hard to find.
However, the Baltimore Ravens have one of the deeper groups in the league, and Williams is one of the few young tackles with any experience to be on the street now.
Also watch for: Riley Mayfield, OT, Philadelphia Eagles
WR Josh Doctson
In what was one of many surprising moves, Doctson, who had 44 catches last year with the Washington Redskins, was let go.
Not only was it surprising given that he was a former first-round pick. It is also surprising given Washington’s lack of depth at the position.
With the signing of Michael Crabtree, Doctson may not fill a huge need, but the Cardinals are short on boundary receivers, and Doctson is known as a bigger receiver who can win jump balls.
Also watch for: Keelan Doss, WR, Oakland Raiders
LB Malik Jefferson
Again, this is not a huge need for the Cardinals, as they kept six inside linebackers on the roster, but Jefferson was a productive player in college, and would add a young talented player into the fold. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury ought to know if Jefferson would be worth a look. Jefferson’s Texas Longhorns played many games against Kingbury’s Red Raiders.
Also watch for: Te’Von Coney, LB, Oakland Raiders
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