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Arizona Cardinals: 5 players who could surprise

By Scott Allen

Aug 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams (26) breaks up a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) during the first half of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams (26) breaks up a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) during the first half of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Troy Niklas (87) celebrates his third quarter touchdown reception against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Browns 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Troy Niklas (87) celebrates his third quarter touchdown reception against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Browns 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Troy Niklas

The tight end seemed like an afterthought after getting injured in his rookie season.  His production didn’t really catch eyes until last season.

Niklas caught his first two touchdowns last season, both in the same game against the Cleveland Browns.  He showed he was more than just a blocker.

Niklas was originally drafted out of Notre Dame for his blocking ability however as we saw especially in this past preseason, he can be a force in the offense.

He caught a couple of really nice balls in the preseason opener against the Oakland Raiders, almost fighting for a touchdown after a catch and run.  Look for him to get a lot more targets this season.

Although he is officially listed as the number three tight end on the depth chart, I see the Cardinals utilizing their tight ends a lot.  It would explain the reason in filling their practice squad with two tight ends out of the 10 slots available.

Next: Shout out to the small school guy

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