The preseason is complete and the Arizona Cardinals, along with every other NFL team, must cut down their rosters to 53 players and be under the salary cap with all their active players, injured reserve players and practice squad additions.
With the preseason complete, seeing how players have played and how much they have played, let’s have one final shot at predicting what will be the initial final 53-man roster. Of course, there will be changes after the Cardinals are awarded the waiver claims they make.
Quarterback
Kyler Murray, Brett Hundley
Nothing changes here. Drew Anderson could be brought back to the practice squad but other teams might have interest in him if they have an extra roster spot for a third quarterback or if, after going unclaimed, they offer something more than the Cardinals do.
Running back
David Johnson, Chase Edmonds, T.J. Logan, D.J. Foster
Foster is the uncertain player. He was clearly ahead of the young undrafted backs like Wes Hills but Hills has some upside and size. Hills is a practice squad candidate.
Wide receiver
Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, Michael Crabtree, Damiere Byrd, KeeSean Johnson, Trent Sherfield, Andy Isabella
Byrd became a lock on Thursday when he was held out of the game. Isabella, were he not a second-round pick, might be on the chopping block. Sherfield might not be a sure thing, either. However, I still think they go with this seven. However, it did get more interesting.
Tight end
Charles Clay, Maxx Williams, Darrell Daniels, Caleb Wilson
Daniels was surprisingly held out of the team’s preseason finale, suggesting he has a place on the roster. Perhaps it is only for special teams. If that is the case, then maybe they keep four tight ends and then the decision is between Ricky Seals-Jones and rookie Caleb Wilson.
Here, it is Wilson. They drafted him for a reason and probably see him as having more upside. However, Wilson will be one of the first to get cut after they start adding players when other teams make their cuts.
Offensive line
D.J. Humphries, Justin Pugh, A.Q. Shipley, J.R. Sweezy, Marcus Gilbert, Mason Cole, Lamont Gaillard, Joshua Miles
There is a possibility they hold on to another lineman for simply trade purposes. They will add a tackle to this mix. Max Garcia will end up on PUP.
Defensive line
Corey Peters, Zach Allen, Rodney Gunter, Clinton McDonald, Michael Dogbe, Bruce Hector, Miles Brown
Brown might be one of the first to get cut after additions are made. This could be a position where the team makes an addition.
Outside linebacker
Chandler Jones, Terrell Suggs, Brooks Reed, Pete Robertson
Nothing has changed here but Vontarrius Dora came on strong in the preseason finale. However, Robertson can’t be too comfortable. This could be a position where the Cardinals add someone not currently on the roster.
Inside linebacker
Haason Reddick, Jordan Hicks, Joe Walker, Zeke Turner, Tanner Vallejo
Gardeck has fallen out and Vallejo’s play bumps him up. Both can play on special teams but Vallejo. Gardeck earned rave reviews from Vance Joseph but fell down the depth chart. This also is a position where the team could try to upgrade.
Cornerback
Robert Alford (before going to IR), Tramaine Brock, Byron Murphy, Chris Jones, Nate Brooks
Brooks was better than Brandon Williams, despite Williams’ history on special teams. Alford will then go to IR and they can add someone. Brooks isn’t safe after initial cuts.
Safeties
D.J. Swearinger, Budda Baker, Deionte Thompson, Jalen Thompson
This is another position where they might add someone.
Specialists
Zane Gonzalez, Andy Lee, Aaron Brewer
Nothing changes here.
The first players to get cut after final cuts
TE Caleb Wilson, DL Miles Brown, CB Nate Brooks, LB Tanner Vallejo, DL Bruce Hector, RB D.J. Foster
Many expect the Cardinals to acquire as many as five or six players on the waiver wire, via trade or after players clear waivers. These players should not feel comfortable being on the roster Saturday.
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