Arizona Cardinals’ rookie wideout unworthy of roster spot

CANTON, OH - AUGUST 03: Chad Williams CANTON, OH - AUGUST 03: Chad Williams #16 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a 16-yard reception against the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter of the NFL Hall of Fame preseason game at Tom Benson Hall
CANTON, OH - AUGUST 03: Chad Williams CANTON, OH - AUGUST 03: Chad Williams #16 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a 16-yard reception against the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter of the NFL Hall of Fame preseason game at Tom Benson Hall

The Arizona Cardinals need to determine if third-round draft pick Chad Williams is worth keeping around on the 53-man roster

Arizona Cardinals’ wide receiver Chad Williams said all the right things when he was introduced at Cardinals’ headquarters a few months back. His infectious personality and confidence was indicative of someone who’s transition to the NFL would be a smooth one. Unfortunately, his performance thus far in training camp has told a different story.

With less than two weeks to go before the season opener, the Cards’ rookie isn’t having much of an impact. Part of his problem was poor conditioning, which head coach Bruce Arians was quick to point out. That alone could get a first-year player into the coach’s doghouse, and Williams seems to be making a home in there at the present time.

Williams’ outing against the Atlanta Falcons this past Saturday night was anything but memorable. There was a dropped pass on a third-down throw from quarterback Blaine Gabbert. There was also a fumble after a reception that would’ve resulted in a first down if not for the turnover.

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Overall, the Grambling State product’s contributions to Arizona so far this summer have been miniscule. Williams has been targeted eight times but has hauled in just three of the passes. Management was probably expecting a bit more than that when they selected the 6’2″, 204 pounder during the third round of this year’s draft.

Because of all that’s been mentioned, the Cardinals’ front office has been placed in a tough spot. Despite Arians’ reluctance to play rookies, Williams did have an opportunity to earn significant playing time during this upcoming campaign. He failed to take advantage however, and now may have to fight to even be a part of the 53-man squad.

Going under the assumption that the club will keep six receivers, there appears to be two slots still up for grabs. Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, J.J. Nelson and Jaron Brown should have four of the spots locked up. Williams seems to be in a battle with two savvy veterans for the remaining locker room stalls.

Based on what fifth-year pro Brittan Golden has done this summer, it’s gonna be hard to let him go. He’s caught all seven of his targets for 104 yards and a touchdown. The former undrafted free agent is also an avid special teamer, always a plus when determining final roster positions.

Anquan Boldin-clone Jeremy Ross is also making a ton of noise. He leads all Cards’ wide receivers in catches (9) and yards (113), and has also found the end zone once. And like Golden, he’s also a special teams demon.

Even if general manager Steve Keim and his cohorts decide that Golden and Ross would better serve the franchise at the present time, it’s very unlikely Williams would be released. The best-case scenario would be to stash him on the practice squad for a year. He’d have to clear waivers for that to occur however.

It’s an interesting dilemma to say the least. The final exhibition contest against the Denver Broncos could go a long way in determining the final decision. If that’s true, Williams better be ready to go all out to prove that he belongs in the league.

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