The Arizona Cardinals wrapped up mandatory minicamp last week and now are on their summer break. The coaches have seen the spring work in the classroom and on the field.
With the summer break here, it is time to look at what we think the final 53-man roster will look like after the preseason, based on what we know right now.
Quarterback
Kyler Murray, Brett Hundley
This is pretty set unless they add another veteran later. The battle for the third QB spot between Charles Kanoff and Drew Anderson will be for a practice squad spot.
Running back
David Johnson, Chase Edmonds, T.J. Logan, D.J. Foster
This will be a familiar group. As of now, none of the undrafted rookies will make the team.
Wide receiver
Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, Andy Isabella, Hakeem Butler, Trent Sherfield, Damiere Byrd, KeeSean Johnson
Byrd is the surprise here. He has impressed in offseason work and has top-end speed. Sherfield continues to get work at the upper end of the rotation and is determined to be a Week 1 starter. But based on right now, they will carry seven receivers, probably to keep Johnson, although he might not play.
Tight end
Charles Clay, Ricky Seals-Jones, Maxx Williams
They will have to short this position and going with only two might be a possibility. Maxx Williams gets the nod over Mr. Irrelevant Caleb Wilson.
Offensive line
D.J. Humphries, Justin Pugh, A.Q. Shipley, J.R. Sweezy, Marcus Gilbert, Mason Cole, Max Garcia, Rees Odhiambo, Korey Cunningham, Lamont Gaillard
Here we have 10 linemen and that is to keep Gaillard on the roster. Joshua Miles doesn’t make the team. The surprise is Rees Odhiambo, so keep an eye out for him in training camp. New addition Desmond Harrison does not make the roster in these projections, as they go with second-year Korey Cunningham instead.
Defensive line
Darius Philon, Corey Peters, Rodney Gunter, Zach Allen, Terrell McClain, Michael Dogbe (Robert Nkemdiche will be on PUP and not count towards the 53)
This seems pretty set. McClain and Dogbe are not locks for the roster and Vincent Valentine could surprise.
Inside linebacker
Jordan Hicks, Haason Reddick, Tanner Vallejo, Dennis Gardeck, Zeke Turner
They might end up having to choose either Gardeck or Turner for the final spot on the roster, depending on numbers.
Outside linebacker
Chandler Jones, Terrell Suggs, Brooks Reed, Cameron Malveaux
Malveaux might end up getting replaced by Andre Branch if he is signed.
Cornerback
Robert Alford, Tramaine Brock, Byron Murphy, Brandon Williams, Josh Shaw (Patrick Peterson will not count once Week 1 comes around)
Peterson will occupy a roster spot until the beginning of Week 1 and allow another on the roster.
Safety
D.J. Swearinger, Budda Baker, Deionte Thompson, Rudy Ford
Ford might be the odd man out once Peterson returns. Cornerback Josh Shaw also plays safety so he can add further depth.
Specialists
Aaron Brewer, Andy Lee, Zane Gonzalez
The kicker could change but thus far the Cardinals show no intentions of moving on from Gonzalez.
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