Arizona Cardinals: Rookie camp wrap-up

The Arizona Cardinals had 54 participants this weekend in their rookie mini-camp

The Arizona Cardinals first look at their draft picks, undrafted free agents, and those in for a tryout took place over the last three days from team headquarters in Tempe.  The top positions of note are quarterback, cornerback, and offensive line.

The Cardinals fourth round pick Evan Boehm will compete with A.Q. Shipley for the starting center.  Fifth round pick Cole Toner will add depth at tackle.  It appears as if D.J. Humphries will have competition again. He’s no longer a rookie but he never played a down last season.

At safety, Marqui Christian was drafted after Adrian Wilson got a look at him.  This kid will surprise.  Don’t be surprised to see a lot of Tyrann Mathieu in him.

At quarterback, there is a fight for third quarterback between Jake Coker and Matt Barkley.  Also, rookie camp invitee Stephen Rivers might have something to say in that race before all is said and done.  And yes, he is the brother of San Diego Chargers Philip Rivers.  You’d think some of that talent rubbed off on him.

Head coach Bruce Arians gave his thoughts on the weekend to espn.com, “They’re here. They’re living a dream and you want to help fulfill that dream, give them everything they can in these three days to see if they can make it, and if they can’t, try to help them on the next phase.”

That’s what it’s all about.  Not everyone will find a spot in Arizona.  However this could be the first step to many of them finding a spot in professional football somewhere.  Next stop for the Cardinals is OTA’s next week May 17th-19th in Tempe.