PHOENIX — The Cardinals' 53-man roster is out. My initial reaction is this team is still a work in progress. They have talent, but they’re also a team that needs more talent and they know it.
They’re not just one player away, but they have enough to win more than four games and maybe compete for a playoff spot. Kudos to GM Monti Ossenfort: He hasn’t overpaid free agents and isn’t relying on quick fixes. Instead, this roster is built up of quality football players, who fit the culture, and can potentially be here long term.
QB (2)
- Kyler Murray
- Clayton Tune
Thoughts: It doesn’t matter who QB2 is… This team will only go as far as Kyler Murray (aka QB1) takes them.
ZERO surprise the Cardinals released Desmond Ridder, who they traded for in the offseason. Ridder had a terrible camp and the battle with Clayton Tune wasn’t even close. Tune will back up Murray for now, but the Cardinals can’t be happy with how any QB not named Kyler performed this preseason. My guess – they’re still looking for a QB2. They’ll likely add a third QB to the practice squad or trade for a new backup or sign a new backup.
RB (4)
- James Conner
- Trey Benson (R)
- Emari Demercado
- Deejay Dallas
Thoughts: Cutting veteran RB Michael Carter was a bit of a surprise. When you’re deciding to keep five running backs, that decision always comes down to who can play more on special teams. WE ALL KNOW --- James Conner is your every down back. He rushed for 1,040 yards and seven touchdowns last season, averaging nearly five yards per carry. First time in his career he rushed for more than 1,000 yards. The plan is for Trey Benson to be his backup. Benson showed more signs of his college explosiveness as the preseason went on.
WR (6)
- Marvin Harrison Jr (R)
- Michael Wilson
- Greg Dortch
- Zach Pascal
- Chris Moore
- Xavier Weaver (R)
Thoughts: Hard to believe Marvin Harrison Jr. made the cut right? HA! Really impressed with the Cardinals' top three receivers this preseason. Harrison Jr. is as NFL-ready as they come. Wilson looks to have a great relationship with QB Kyler Murray but needs to stay healthy. Dortch is primed for a major role in the offense. Zach Pascal will mainly play on special teams. Chris Moore and Xavier Weaver will, too, and are just keeping the seats warm until Zay Jones’ suspension is over.
TE (4)
- Trey McBride
- Tip Reiman (R)
- Elijah Higgins
- Travis Vokolek
Thoughts: Trey McBride is the NFL’s next breakout star at the tight end position – like in the same conversation with the likes of Kittle and Kelce. McBridge closed out 2023 being one of Kyler Murray’s favorite targets. The duo has picked up right where they left off this preseason. Rookie Tip Reiman is a nice addition to the room. He’ll add some physicality in the run game.
OL (9)
- Paris Johnson Jr
- Evan Brown
- Hjalte Froholdt
- Will Hernandez
- Jonah Williams
- Kelvin Beachum
- Isaiah Adams (R)
- Jon Gaines
- Trystan Colon
Thoughts: The Cardinals' starting offensive line goes (from left to right): Paris Johnson Jr., Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, Will Hernandez, Jonah Williams. This group returns three of five starters from last year, plus the addition of Williams, one of the best right tackles in the NFL. The Cardinals O-Line will be one of their strengths this season, especially when it comes to the run game. Kelvin Beachum will be the swing tackle. I think rookie Isaiah Adams had a great preseason. Rookie Christian Jones will be in this group whenever he’s healthy. Jon Gaines is back after missing all last season with a knee injury. He has the ability to be a starter in this league.
DL (6)
- Justin Jones
- Bilal Nichols
- Roy Lopez
- Dante Stills
- L.J. Collier
- Khyiris Tonga
Thoughts: This is the best defensive line group the Cardinals have put together since the days of Calais Campbell. The headliner is rookie first-round pick Darius Robinson. He had a monster preseason, but he’ll start on injured reserve with a calf injury. The earliest you could see Robinson is week five. The additions of Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols in the offseason add veteran experience up front. Local kid Roy Lopez has had a strong preseason. Second-year pro Dante Stills is coming on strong. Not a ton of star power, but this group is much improved from last season.
LB (3)
- Kyzir White
- Mack Wilson Sr
- Owen Pappoe
Thoughts: If they stay healthy, the combo of Kyzir White and Mack Wilson Sr., who they signed from the Patriots this offseason, could be one of the best combos at inside linebackers in the NFL. You could also see Wilson rush off the edge. Owen Pappoe, the Cardinals' 2023 5th-round pick, is still a development project.
OLB (5)
- Zaven Collins
- Dennis Gardeck
- Xavier Thomas (R)
- Victor Dimukeje
- Jesse Luketa
Thoughts: This group has the most pressure on them this season. The Cardinals were dead last in 2023 at rushing the quarterback and nearly brought back all the same names. The loss of B.J. Ojulari hurts the group, but we’ve seen former first-round pick Zaven Collins and longtime Cardinal Dennis Gardeck put in strong training camps. Rookie Xavier Thomas and third-year pro Jesse Luketa have really flashed in games.
CB (6)
- Sean Murphy-Bunting
- Max Melton (R)
- Starling Thomas
- Garrett Williams
- Starling Thomas
- Kei’Trel Clark
- Elijah Jones (R)
Thoughts: This group has the most to prove. Everybody. All spots are up for grabs. Sean Murphy-Bunting is CB1, but he really struggled during the week of joint practices in Indy against the Colts. Rookie Max Melton and Garrett Williams had good training camps.
S (5)
- Budda Baker
- Jalen Thompson
- Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (R)
- Joey Blount
- Darren Hall
Thoughts: The Cardinals still have two of the best safeties in the league in Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson. Rookie Dadrion Taylor-Demerson had one of the best preseasons out of anyone on the team.
ST (3)
- Matt Prater (K)
- Blake Gillikin (P)
- Aaron Brewer (LS)
Injured Reserve
- DL Darius Robinson (R) (Calf)
- OT Christian Jones (R) (Ankle)
- Tony Jones Jr (Shoulder)
- B.J. Ojulari (Knee)
Suspended
- WR Zay Jones (5 games)
Sports
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