No sophomore jinx for these Arizona Cardinals

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 07: Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals runs after a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 07: Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals runs after a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 23: Center Mason Cole #64 of the Arizona Cardinals in action during the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chicago Bears won 16-14. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 23: Center Mason Cole #64 of the Arizona Cardinals in action during the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chicago Bears won 16-14. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)

The Arizona Cardinals have 13 players currently on their roster entering their second year in the NFL

Sometimes after a great first season, a player will follow up up with a not so great second season.  Looking over the Arizona Cardinals roster, they do have some players who could fall into that mold but these three players may avoid the sophomore jinx.

Some of these second year players may not even make the final 53-man roster.  However they should all get long looks this summer in training camp. These three players are just getting started and will make positive impacts on the 2019 Cardinals.

Mason Cole

Last season Cole was rushed into a starting role, although he likely would have ended up there anyway.  After center A.Q. Shipley tore his ACL, Cole was inserted into the lineup as the starting center.

Just days before in camp there was some doubt as to whether Cole would be able to make big contributions right away.  In the end he was one of the most consistent starters on the line.

He avoided injury himself, which given what transpired on the Cardinals offensive line last season, is a major accomplishment in itself.  He made an immediate impact in the preseason and it carried over to the regular season.

Now it is A.Q. Shipley who will have to compete to try and get his job back.  Look for Cole to win the starting job, especially since Shipley will be coming off his injury.

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