Arizona Cardinals Roster Profile: Jake Ballard

Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Jake Ballard (86) against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

As the Arizona Cardinals finish off the off-season in preparation for the start of training camp on July 25th in Glendale at University of Phoenix Stadium, we are going to take a look at the team roster from A to Z as it currently stands.  Next up, tight end Jake Ballard.

2013 season: Jake Ballard was a nice pickup by the Cardinals at a time the tight end position was struggling.  Ballard, who missed all of 2012 due to an injury suffered in the previous Super Bowl with the New York Giants, played in eight games.  He had two touchdowns in his eight games.  Rob Housler didn’t score his first touchdown of his career until last season, which was his third.

2014 season: Right now I see Ballard as the number two tight end behind John Carlson.  I think Ballard is better than Housler and as long as he stays healthy, he can be a huge contributor to the Cards offense and be able to compliment what Carlson offers.