The Arizona Cardinals are still a good month and a half from kicking off training camp and summer vacation is around the corner. So let’s make some predictions.
The Arizona Cardinals are fast approaching training camp, and while you may ask why I just said ‘fast’ at roughly 40-plus days out from when rookies report, it’s only another six weeks. And the older I get, the faster those six weeks get.
Anyway, as I have done before the NFL Draft and directly afterward, it’s once again time to make an updated prediction for the 53-man roster. This one stands out since it no longer includes former star wideout, DeAndre Hopkins. I’ve also decided not to include quarterback Kyler Murray here as he will likely begin the season on the PUP list.
Predicting the Arizona Cardinals Week 1 depth chart for 2023
Quarterback
Clayton Tune, Colt McCoy, David Blough
Clayton Tune kicks things off as the Week 1 starter following a battle with training camp Colt McCoy and David Blough for the starting job. McCoy takes the QB2 spot while Blough becomes the third man on the depth chart. Ultimately, Kyler Murray, who could begin the season on the PUP list, will make his inevitable return.
Running Back
James Conner, Corey Clement, Ty’Son Williams, Emari Demercado
In this latest edition, the Arizona Cardinals keep James Conner as their RB1 while Corey Clement and Ty’Son Williams, two backs who have put up solid numbers when given the chance in this league, will spell him in what should be a run-first attack. Emari Demercado edges out Keaontay Ingram for the fourth spot.
Receiver
Marquise Brown, Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, Zach Pascal, Rondale Moore, Daniel Arias III
Marquise Brown is the inevitable WR1 after DeAndre Hopkins’ departure while Michael Wilson becomes the big target lining up opposite of Brown. Greg Dortch fills in at slot receiver while Jonathan Gannon favorite Zach Pascal also wins a slot role. Rondale Moore provides depth while Daniel Arias III sticks around on special teams.
Tight End
Trey McBride, Zach Ertz, Noah Togiai
We don’t know if Zach Ertz will be ready for Week 1, and it’s likely he will, at most, see limited playing time in the preseason. Therefore, Trey McBride gets the starting nod while Noah Togiai slots in as the TE3.
Tackle
D.J. Humphries, Kelvin Beachum, Josh Jones, Elijah Wilkinson
D.J. Humphries and Kelvin Beachum are two returning starters while Josh Jones is more than a capable backup. Elijah Wilkinson will beat out the rest of the competition and win the final backup slot.
Guard
Paris Johnson Jr., Will Hernandez, Dennis Daley
Paris Johnson and Will Hernandez could make a strong combo at left and right guard, respectively. Dennis Daley, a newbie for the Ossenfort regime, will win the job as a swing backup. Josh Jones, listed as a tackle, could also backup at guard.
Center
Hjalte Froholdt, Jon Gaines II
Hjalte Froholdt will most likely open the season as the starting center. But Jon Gaines II could end up taking the job at some point in the season.
Defensive End/Tackle
L.J. Collier, Carlos Watkins, Kevin Strong, Dante Stills
Depending on the scheme/alignment, this group could either line up as interior or exterior defensive linemen. Collier and Watkins will win the starting jobs, with the former taking advantage of his change of scenery. Watkins could ultimately rotate in and out with Kevin Strong and rookie Dante Stills.
Defensive Tackle
Leki Fotu, Rashard Lawrence
Neither Leki Fotu nor Rashard Lawrence have enjoyed brilliant NFL careers, but if the Arizona Cardinals still want characteristics of a 3-4 defense, they will factor in as the starting defensive/nose tackles. However, they could become backups in a 4-3 alignment.
Defensive End/Edge
Zaven Collins, Myjai Sanders, Cameron Thomas, B.J. Ojulari
Once again, this one depends on the scheme Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis wish to implement, so they could line up as ends, or they could stand up and add pressure as outside linebackers.
Linebacker
Kyzir White, Krys Barnes, Owen Pappoe, Josh Woods, Zeke Turner
Kyzir White, Krys Barnes, and Owen Pappoe could be the starters if the Cardinals opt to use a 4-3 look, but you can count on White and Barnes to open the season as the dynamic duo if the Redbirds go with a 3-4. Pappoe will get looks as a rotational piece, while Josh Woods and Zeke Turner find roster spots as special teamers.
Cornerback
Marco Wilson, Antonio Hamilton, Christian Matthew, Garrett Williams, Kei’Trel Clark, Kris Boyd
Marco Wilson and Antonio Hamilton will likely open the season as the starters until Garrett Williams has acclimated. Christian Matthew and Kei’Trel Clark could factor in as the respective nickel and dime backs, while Kris Boyd makes the team as a special teamer.
Strong Safety
Budda Baker, JuJu Hughes
If all goes according to plan, Budda Baker will factor in as the strong safety and become a leader on not just the defense, but a young Arizona Cardinals team. Hughes is the likeliest option to back up Baker.
Free Safety
Jalen Thompson
Jalen Thompson can man the position and once again play a role in what has become one of the NFL’s best tandems at safety. Hughes will likely back up Thompson as well.
Star
Isaiah Simmons
And finally, we have Isaiah Simmons, who will likely end up focusing primarily on one position if recent reports hold any water. The question is, where? We will find out soon enough. June 13th, 2023 update: Simmons will be playing in the defensive backfield this season.
Specialists
Matt Prater, Matt Haack, Aaron Brewer
Sooner than later, the Arizona Cardinals need to get younger at kicker, but it won’t happen in 2023. Prater, coming off of another good season, sticks around yet again.
This one will come down to Matt Haack or the inspiring Nolan Cooney. At this point, I’m going with the Arizona State product.
Aaron Brewer was a surprise re-signing, but his sense of familiarity adds yet another piece to what could be a formidable all-around special teams unit.