Basically every year, there is at least one undrafted rookie who impresses enough to make the final roster for the Arizona Cardinals. They shine in offseason workouts, training camp and the preseason.
That will be much more difficult to do this year because of the pandemic-affected offseason.
Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury said there are definitely undrafted rookies who have stood out, but they have a much more challenging road to make the roster than in years past.
“Guys have definitely caught our eye,” he told reporters on Wednesday after practice. “What’s tough is you’re just now getting to know them, you didn’t get to know their work habits and how they retain information throughout an offseason. This is fast and furious. They’re not getting as many reps.”
Plus, the Cardinals have a much deeper team at most positions. However, Kingsbury doesn’t rule out anyone making the roster.
“There have been guys to step up and have some flashes here and there, so it’s been good to see,” he said. “There’s definitely guys that are fighting for positions and it will come down to the wire for them.”
Kingsbury said he feels for these players because they don’t get to audition for the rest of the league with preseason game film.
That said, even if they don’t make the final roster, because of an expanded practice squad this year — teams can bring back 16 players after cuts, including up to six with unlimited experience, which is new. Usually, the practice squad is limited to players with up to two years of credited time in the league.
Kingsbury wouldn’t name players who have stood out.
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