Arizona Cardinals’ early favorites to start and why (Opinion)

ROTB Poll: Which do you think will be the closest position competition for the team’s starters?

1st team early favorites:

Offense:

QB Kyler Murray
RB James Conner
TE Trey McBride
TE Tip Reiman
WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
WR Michael Wilson
SWR Greg Dortch
LT Paris Johnson Jr.
LG Evan Brown
C Hjalte Froholdt
RG Isaiah Adams
RT Jonah Williams

All are returning 2nd half of the 2024 season starters who have a superb chance to get the Cardinals’ chemistry super tight.

Players who could make strong bids:

TE Elijah Higgins
SWR Simi Fehoko
G Hayden Conner

Defense:

SOLB Zaven Collins
DE Walter Nolen
NT Dalvin Tomlinson
DE Calais Campbell/Darius Robinson
WOLB Josh Sweat
MLB Cody Simon
WILB Mack Wilson Sr./Owen Pappoe (passing downs)
LCB Will Johnson
SS Budda Baker
FS Dadrion Taylor-Demerson
RCB Max Melton
SCB Garrett Williams

Special Teams:

LS Aaron Brewer
P Blake Gillikin
K Chad Ryland

Note: create a niche role for Jalen Thompson in 3-safety sets with Budda and Rabbit and one for Mack Wilson Sr. as a sub package blitzer, just as the Patriots did. Plus, sub package roles for Baron Browning, B.J. Ojulari and Dante Stills as pass rushers.

Trade Jalen Thompson?

Defense still going to struggle?

Why is Cody Simon the best fit for taking command of the green dot?

Players who could make strong bids?