Arizona Cardinals: Three Underrated Players To Watch At Training Camp

Jul 28, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; General view of the field during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Having been to three of the five training camp practices I’ve seen some impressing stuff from players who want to have a job in September. Training camp is where players who have never been heard of showcase their talent, and hope the head coach falls in love with them. Russell Wilson is a prime example, he was supposed to sit back and learn for a couple of years, but he won the job during Seahawks’ Training Camp.

The first person that has really impressed me during training camp so far has been number 18 Kerry Taylor second year wide receiver out of ASU. He has good hands, speed, and almost always separates from the defender. He has really proven to me that he has the talent to make the 53 man roster, but the problem is I don’t decide the final 53 men.

Another guy to keep an eye on wide receiver number seven Tyler Shaw rookie from NW Missouri State. Weighing only 180 pounds with a six-foot frame he is very skinny, you have to wonder if he would last in this league with how big linebackers are these days. Shaw never takes a rep off he works very hard and just hustles to the ball. He is the type of player you want on your roster plus he also has good hands.

Finally is a guy who has been signed by Arizona, and cut then picked up again by the Cardinals. Alfonso Smith number 29 has been putting on a show this training camp so far. In such a crowded backfield Smith wants to make sure Coach Arians doesn’t forget about him. With Ryan Williams getting hurt Smith is doing his part to prove he belongs in Arizona. Knowing his margin for error is very slim Smith is leaving it all on the field every practice because he knows there are people behind him ready to take his job. Even though it’s only training camp Smith is hitting holes hard with excellent acceleration.