May 10, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals guard Jonathan Cooper (61) fends off Cardinals defensive end Everrette Thompson (72) during rookie minicamp at the Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The countdown is on. Just eight more days until the Arizona Cardinals rookies report to training camp in Glendale on July 23rd. Veterans report two days later on July 25th. It is quite a diverse crop of rookies, many of whom will most likely make the 53-man roster.
Of course the biggest rookie of them all, offensive tackle Jonathan Cooper, remains unsigned. The number five and eight picks in the draft have signed and there is a gauge from last years number seven pick as to what Cooper can be slotted at in terms of salary. I fully expect him to be signed by the time he is scheduled to report next week.
Outside of Cooper, there are a number of rookies to be on the lookout for. Safety Tyrann Matheiu is one. Many eyes will be on him. Also there will be people watching wide receiver Ryan Swoope. He’s Larry Fitzgerald-esque, however he has a recent injury to be concerned about. Running back Andre Ellington should also turn heads. Let’s just hope he doesn’t face the same fat as Ryan Williams a couple of seasons ago in preseason when he was lost for the season in his rookie campaign.
Looking at the undrafted rookies is also interesting. I could see a couple of them making the roster or the practice squad at the very least. Wide receiver Dan Buckner is a guy to keep an eye on. You might also hear the name Josh Hill at cornerback several times during the preseason.
A lot of changes no doubt and a team full of younger guys who can make an impact. It is how much of an impact that remains to be seen.