Now that the Arizona Cardinals have their draft picks and now it is time to look forward to what they can do in the season, we should have reasonable expectations for each player.
What are reasonable expectations from theses players in their rookie season?
LB Isaiah Simmons
Simmons has the biggest expectations of any of the Cardinals’ draft pick, and he should, as he was the eighth overall pick in the draft.
Simmons should be an impact player in defense. He probably will not start in base defensive packages but should play a number of roles and will have the opportunity to do a lot of things. He should be a sub-package player coming in to cover tight ends and running backs and rush the passer.
He should play a lot and make a lot of plays.
OT Josh Jones
Jones, if all goes as planned, probably doesn’t play this year except on special teams. With Marcus Gilbert and Justin Murray both on the roster, he is not expected to be the team’s starting right tackle this season.
DL Leki Fotu
Fotu should be a rotational player almost immediately and also could actually be a starter at nose tackle. He should get playing time in base packages.
DL Rashard Lawrence
Lawrence, like Fotu, doesn’t need to start. He should, though, be at least part of the defensive line rotation as a rookie.
LB Evan Weaver
Weaver will not be expected to play on defense. However, he should be an impact special teams player with his intensity.
RB Eno Benjamin
Benjamin will be expected to play on special teams and should get a few offensive snaps. He should be what Chase Edmonds was at the end of last season.
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Ep. 266
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