The Arizona Cardinals wrap up training camp today and they have played two preseason games. There have been injuries and changes in the depth chart.
If the Cardinals were to form their 53-man roster now, what would it look like?
Here is what my projections are based on what we have seen.
Quarterback
Kyler Murray, Brett Hundley
Based on how Hundley has played, there should be no talk now of the Cardinals going and looking elsewhere for a backup. And based on what we have seen, there still isn’t any reason to believe they will keep three QBs on the active roster.
Running back
David Johnson, Chase Edmonds, T.J. Logan, D.J. Foster
Last week, I had Wes Hills instead of Foster. Foster played better and is still playing more special teams snaps than almost everyone on the team.
Wide receiver
Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, Trent Sherfield, KeeSean Johnson, Hakeem Butler, Andy Isabella, Pharoh Cooper
I had an outside player making this list last week and Damiere Byrd the week before. Cooper played much better at receiver and has the ability to be an impact player in the return game.
Tight end
Charles Clay, Maxx Williams, Ricky Seals-Jones
Nothing changes here, though Darrell Daniels could bump Seals-Jones. Daniels plays more on special teams and has been getting more work on offense.
Offensive line
D.J. Humphries, Justin Pugh, A.Q. Shipley, J.R. Sweezy, Marcus Gilbert; Mason Cole, Lamont Gaillard, Joshua Miles, player not currently on roster (Max Garcia PUP)
Assuming Garcia will begin the season on PUP, the Cardinals might only keep nine linemen, although not having any veterans off the bench isn’t ideal. Jeremy Vujnovich could make the team, bumping Miles. Rees Odhiambo and Korey Cunningham did not make the cut this week.
Defensive line
Corey Peters, Zach Allen, Rodney Gunter, Terrell McClain, Michael Dogbe, someone not on the roster now
The Cardinals brought in Corey Liuget. Maybe he will sign. If not, I don’t see the Cardinals going with three rookies among their six at the position.
Outside linebacker
Chandler Jones, Terrell Suggs, Brooks Reed, Andre Branch, Pete Robertson
Nothing changes here. I think they find a way to keep Robertson on the roster.
Inside linebacker
Jordan Hicks, Haason Reddick, Dennis Gardeck, Zeke Turner
Nothing changes here, but if Reddick isn’t ready to play at the start of the season, they might need to keep another player here.
Cornerback
Tramaine Brock, Byron Murphy, Chris Jones, someone not on the team (Patrick Peterson suspended, Robert Alford on injured reserve)
They can only keep four corners because of the versatility of some of their safeties. They could keep five corners but I think one will come from outside the organization.
Safety
D.J. Swearinger, Budda Baker, Josh Shaw, Deionte Thompson, Jalen Thompson, Jonathan Owens
Six safeties? Yes. Owens has been playing in the slot. He gives them the depth at cornerback.
Specialists
Andy Lee, Zane Gonzalez, Aaron Brewer
This is automatic.
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