Revenge of the Birds
How many of the 53 do you agree with?
It is gettering more and more difficult to pick the Cardinals’ best 53 players —- and that’s a very good sign of the team’s progress.
Best 53 Cardinals:
QB (2):
If JG makes the QB2 roster spot a fair competition, Clayton Tune should win it by a wide margin. He is a stronger athlete, has a stronger, more accurate arm and is significantly more mobile than Jacoby Brissett. Tune handily beat out Desmond Ridder last year, Well, Desmond Ridder (8-10) is more capable of winning in the NFL in 2025 than Jacoby Brissett (19-34). And, no, Kyler does not need a mentor at this point in his career. The Cardinals cannot afford to give up a roster spot to a QB3.
RB (3):
The Cardinals should be able to save a roster spot at RB because they can keep Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas on the practice squad and move them up if and when needed. Neither Carter nor Dallas will be claimed off waivers. Carter wasn’t claimed last year, and it would be difficult to imagine any team taking on the money remaining on year 2 of Dallas’ 3-year deal.
TE (3):
Cardinals should be able to keep Travis Vokolek and Josia Deguara or Oscar Cardenas on the practice squad.
WR (5):
For a 12 and 13 heavy personnel offense, it makes no sense for the Cardinals to keep more than 5 WRs. Simi Fehoko should be a standout slot WR in pre-season and is an ideal WR4 because of his excellent STs. ability. Xavier Weaver brings more speed and upside than Zay Jones and he could contribute as a return man option on STs.
2024 6th round pick Tejhuan Palmer may a year away from winning a roster spot. Same for Bryson Green. Trishton Jackson, Quez Watkins may make things interesting in pre-season.
OL (9):
Expect to see Justin Frye keep and develop 4 OL on the PS, which most likely will include T Josh Fryar, T Valentin Senn, G Jake Curhan and C Sincere Haynesworth.
DI (6):
Bilal Nichols and L.J. Collier won’t get claimed and thus, one or both of them could be kept on the PS, along with Ben Stille and NT Elijah Simmons.
ED (5):
It could well be that Monti will keep B.J. Ojulari on the IR until he is 100% back...
