Arizona Cardinals Rookies Complete First Weekend of Work

May 10, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals guard Jonathan Cooper (61) shoves defenders during Rookie Minicamp at the Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals just completed their first rookie camp this weekend.  From the sounds of it, the true test for them will be when the voluntary camps start next week.  Reading about what has taken place this weekend, it is refreshing to hear from Cards head coach Bruce Arians that everyone is on the same level when they come in, drafted or not.

Arians said he was excited about the mix of rookies he had in this weekend.  His predecessor Ken Whisenhunt always said a player must earn their way into a roster spot.  While that still holds true, with Arians, he views everyone on a level playing field.  Don’t be surprised if some of the undrafted rookies make some noise, especially come training camp time.

Arizonasports.com did a piece on the rookie camp on Saturday, discussing the first day of camp on Friday.  He said it was too early to tell how things went and it’s true.  You aren’t going to make any key decisions on the first day.  According to Arians, they were going to be handed a whole new playbook after day one.  No need to break down how things went this early.

It is exciting to see the rookies be finally given their opportunity on the field.  The true test will be when they get together with the rest of the veterans.  That’s where I want to see the rookies shine.