A pre-training camp look at the Arizona Cardinals roster, players who should be staying and those who may be looking for work
Sitting down and figuring out the Arizona Cardinals’ final roster wasn’t so difficult in past seasons. Decisions were pretty much cut and dry, mostly due to the fact that past teams just didn’t have the overall talent that recent teams have had.
This year’s roster is loaded with talent, making this exercise as difficult as it has ever been. The Cardinals do a fantastic job bringing in players, whether it’s through the draft or through free agency.
The following is an attempt to come up with the best roster possible, a position by position breakdown. How accurate it is will be determined by the end of camp when the braintrust make their final decisions.
Quarterbacks (3)- Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton, Jake Coker
The only question here is who will be number three. Coker edging out Matt Barkley is nothing more than a wild hunch. There’s also a possibility that they keep only two , meaning both Barkley AND Coker will be gone.
Running Backs (4)- David Johnson, Chris Johnson, Andre Ellington, Kerwyn Williams
There’s most likely not a need for five backs so the fourth spot should come down to a battle between Williams and Stepfan Taylor. Both can play special teams but Kerwyn is the more dynamic player.
Wide Receivers (6)- Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, John Brown, Jaron Brown, JJ Nelson, Jaxon Shipley
The first five should be set in stone. Both Shipley and Brittan Golden have decent hands and both can return kicks. Shipley should’ve made the squad last season, it’s a gut feeling that he achieves that goal this training camp.
Tight Ends (4)- Jermaine Gresham, Darren Fells, Ifeanyi Momah, Troy Niklas
This group appears set. Niklas’ spot could be in jeopardy if Daniel Dillon wins the long-snapping job ( Dillon’s regular position is tight end). Therefore Niklas’ roster spot could be used to strengthen another area.
Offensive Lineman (8)- Jared Veldheer, Mike Iupati, Evan Mathis, A.Q. Shipley, D.J. Humphries, Earl Watford, Evan Boehm, Cole Toner
One possible wrinkle is the staff’s admiration for Antoine McClain. Although Watford is versatile he’s never been good enough to win a starting job. That plus the fact he’s headed for free agency next offseason means McClain could stick over Big Earl. Also, adding a veteran tackle ( Eugene Monroe, Will Beatty, Jake Long) is not out of the question.
Next: The defense