Arizona Cardinals: The 2016 tight ends

The Arizona Cardinals ended up keeping just three tight ends on the 53-man roster

The Arizona Cardinals still likely don’t know who their number one tight end is.  Oh sure, they have a depth chart but in the end it could be any of the three guys on the 53-man roster.

In addition to the three tight ends on the 53-man roster. the Cardinals also added two more to the practice squad on Sunday.  Adding two tight ends to the practice squad was a bit of a surprise.

Darren Fells

Early on in camp, Fells seemed to be in head coach Bruce Arians doghouse.  He was committing too many penalties.  If there is anything that drives coaches crazy, it’s ridiculous penalties.

Fells came on late in the preseason though.  He had a huge 40-yard reception in preseason game number three against the Houston Texans.  He had 21 receptions for 311 yards and three touchdowns in 2015.

As long as he stays healthy, he should be able to find a consistent connection with quarterback Carson Palmer.  However, he does have a couple of other tight ends on the roster to compete with.

Jermaine Gresham

A disappointing 2015 season coming over from the Cincinnati Bengals lead to some believing he would be a one-and-out in Arizona.  That was not the case and the Cardinals re-signed him to another one-year contract.

Gresham certainly has a big play ability.  His issue has been trying to stay healthy.  He had just 18 receptions for 223 yards and one touchdown last season.

If he does stay healthy, Gresham has a chance to do big things. He had 64 receptions with the Bengals in 2012 and 62 in 2014.  He has the ability to produce.  Cardinals fans are just waiting for it.

Troy Niklas

Drafted more for his ability to block more than anything else, Niklas is one of those guys that could emerge as a huge surprise in 2016.  He had a nice preseason and in the first preseason game against the Oakland Raiders he showed off his skills catching and running with the ball.

Some believe early on in camp, Niklas would emerge as the number one tight end.  He’s officially number three but I look for him to improve on his four receptions and two touchdowns from 2015.

Practice squad:

Ifeanyi Momah

This is a player that was a bit of a surprise not making it on the 53-man roster.  Momah had a decent camp and preseason.  That was coming off a great preseason in 2015.

He lost his 2015 season right before the regular season started with an injury.  He went on injured reserve and most thought he’d come in and steal a spot on the 2016 roster.

The Cardinals thought highly enough of Momah though to bring him back for further evaluation.  I would not be surprised to see him play in the regular season at some point.

Hakeem Valles

The least talked about of the tight ends on the training camp roster, Valles must have been impressive to the Cardinals coaches.  His addition to the practice squad was somewhat a surprise. The rookie out of Monmouth College in New Jersey, had just one reception for 24 yards in the preseason.

It was enough though to warrant a further look.  Don’t know what Valles chances are of getting off the practice squad in 2016, at least with the Cardinals.  Momah would likely be the first tight end signed to the 53-man roster should something happen.