Contingent of Arizona Cardinals raring to make impact
By Jim Koch
The rest of the NFL may not be aware of them yet, but there is a small group of Arizona Cardinals looking to make their mark
The Arizona Cardinals have their fair share of star power. Future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald and fantasy football stud David Johnson hog the headlines on offense. Defensively, Cardinals like Patrick Peterson and Chandler Jones are well-known among the league’s fans.
But there are other members of the Cards who would love nothing more than to become household names. Talented pieces of the team’s roster who are anxious to make their mark on the NFL. 2018 could very well be the year that their wishes come true.
Towards the end of the 2017 campaign, a tight end named Ricky Seals-Jones burst onto the scene. The undrafted rookie provided excitement as a pass-catcher, finding the end zone three times on just 12 receptions. With the uncertain health of starter Jermaine Gresham being a legitimate cause for concern, Seals-Jones may be given a huge opportunity to shine this season.
T.J. Logan’s only action as a rookie was during last summer’s Hall of Fame Game. The fifth-round draft pick flashed obvious kick-return ability that day, before dislocating his wrist late in the contest. The 5’9″, 196 pound running back will be looking to hit the reset button on what could potentially be a very promising career.
Safety Jonathan “Rudy” Ford could be the recipient of some significant playing time in ’18. The release of Tyrann Mathieu combined with the free agent status of Tyvon Branch could pave the way for the former Auburn cornerback to emerge. With just Antoine Bethea and Budda Baker ahead of him on the depth chart, Ford’s time in the spotlight may be arriving shortly.
Wide receiver Chad Williams is another Arizona player who could benefit from the departure of others. With both John Brown and Jaron Brown now gone, last year’s third-round pick is in line for an increase in playing time. Management is hoping for a big improvement from Williams, who hauled in just three passes for 31 yards in ’17.
Next: Remaining offseason schedule for the Arizona Cardinals
Finally, 2016 third-round pick Brandon Williams’ hopes of being the squad’s number-two cornerback have most likely been dashed. Newly-acquired Jamar Taylor is expected to assume that role, but the club’s nickel corner spot should still be up for grabs. This could very well be a make-or-break season for Williams, so the 25-year old should be highly-motivated to perform.