The Arizona Cardinals selected nine talented players in the 2023 NFL Draft. How much of the field will each rookie see this season?
The Arizona Cardinals got younger, and thanks to the fact their roster is significantly weaker than it was just two short seasons ago, you will see younger players see more playing time than you may otherwise be used to. Thankfully, this team strung together a good draft, and you may see quite a few rookies earn extended playing time in 2023.
Of course, those picked toward the beginning of the draft could become immediate contributors. Though there were a few who heard their names called late that could also see the field this season. Let’s go through each draft pick and predict how often they will see the field in 2023.
How much playing time will each Arizona Cardinals rookie get?
Paris Johnson Jr. OT
Look for Paris Johnson Jr. to play inside at guard in 2023, where, if he stays healthy, the former Ohio State Buckeye will play in all 17 games. Johnson shouldn’t be handed the starting spot, but once he earns it in training camp, he’s not handing it back over.
B.J. Ojulari, OLB
B.J. Ojulari should immediately find a spot at edge, where he will see playing time alongside second year pass rushers Cam Thomas and Myjai Sanders. The latter two made enough strides as rookies that they should be the starters while Ojulari, at least in the short run, will work in as a rotational piece before his role expands.
Garrett Williams, CB
Garrett Williams has the potential to end the season as the Arizona Cardinals top cover man. However, thanks to his ACL injury, expect the Redbirds to ease him into action when he’s ready. He won’t see the field much early on, but his playing time will gradually increase.
Michael Wilson, WR
This one depends on A, Michael Wilson’s health, and B, whether DeAndre Hopkins is still a Cardinal. Wilson found himself battling injuries for three seasons in a row, and if that continues in camp, it will be hard to see him get playing time if Hopkins is still in the desert. However, if all goes well in camp and if Hopkins is elsewhere, expect Wilson to see playing time sooner than later.
Jon Gaines II, OG
Jon Gaines II comes with a remarkable set of college football experience, and he’s versatile enough to become a key backup in 2023. However, don’t expect him to see the field often this season unless he can outperform a few key veterans.
Clayton Tune, QB
Chances are, the Arizona Cardinals won’t keep five, or even four quarterbacks on the active roster. That said, Tune could start his career on the practice squad, and will likely see zero action in 2023. The only way he’s on the active roster is if he outshines Colt McCoy, David Blough, and Jeff Driskel.
Owen Pappoe, ILB
This pick further foreshadows two things: A, Zaven Collins might join the rotation at outside linebacker/edge or at least see significant time there, and B, Isaiah Simmons will probably see more time in the secondary. While Krys Barnes and Kyzir White can hold things down at inside linebacker, Pappoe will operate in a rotational role. He’s a late-round pick who will see more than his fair share of playing time.
Kei’Trel Clark, CB
He’s a versatile corner playing for a team with a weak unit. This tells me that, despite Kei’Trel Clark’s small size, he will see more playing time than you think.
Dante Stills, DT
One of the better value picks for the Arizona Cardinals in this draft. At 284 lb, Dante Stills is small for a defensive tackle, but with a weak rotation in front of him, don’t be surprised if he gets an early look if injuries and poor production once again plague the defensive tackle position.
Source: Arizona Cardinals NFL draft picks 2023: Analysis for every selection by Josh Weinfuss, ESPN.com.