ROTB Poll: Which do you think will be the closest position competition for the team’s starters?
1st team early favorites:
My starting lineup favorites heading into training camp:
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 winner of…— Walter B J Mitchell (@WBJMItch) May 23, 2025
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?
As long as JT accepts that Dadrion Taylor-Demerson is the most instinctive free safety, esp. in pass coverage, the Cards should hold on to Jalen Thompson for his veteran leadership, strong box play and ability to cover TEs within a young, diversely talented secondary. https://t.co/Uo3H1AyVf5
— Walter B J Mitchell (@WBJMItch) May 24, 2025
Defense still going to struggle?
The Cardinals’ defensive talent and depth is the best it has been since 2015. I wrote an article about this yesterday on https://t.co/FdlQWzWND2 titled “Cardinals’ Secondary Summer School 2025.” So much will depend on how well Nick Rallis and his coaches teach zone and man… https://t.co/26A8Z5YGl4
— Walter B J Mitchell (@WBJMItch) May 24, 2025
Why is Cody Simon the best fit for taking command of the green dot?
What LB should have been a Pro Bowler? Mack Wilson Sr. graded as the #88 ILB in 2024. RG Adams is listed 1st in comp with Conner. Cody Simon R4 (4.57 40, 90.6 run def, 72.7 coverage, 20 coverage stops were 11th in nation, pass rush 80.6, as the alpha leader on helping Ohio St.… https://t.co/7goxnAZ6Uq
— Walter B J Mitchell (@WBJMItch) May 24, 2025
Players who could make strong bids?
- SOLB Jordan Burch
- LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
- Baron Browning at WILB
- CB Elijah Moore
Special Teams:
- LS Aaron Brewer
- P Blake Gillikin
- K Chad Ryland
These are my early favorites to be the Cardinals’ starters. Who are yours?
ROTB Poll:
Your vote and why?