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):
- Kyler Murray
- Clayton Tune
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):
- James Conner
- Trey Benson
- Emari Demercado
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):
- Trey McBride
- Elijah Higgins
- Tip Reiman
Cardinals should be able to keep Travis Vokolek and Josia Deguara or Oscar Cardenas on the practice squad.
WR (5):
- Marvin Harrison Jr.
- Michael Wilson
- Greg Dortch
- Simi Fehoko
- Xavier Weaver
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):
- Paris Johnson Jr.
- Evan Brown
- Hjalte Froholdt
- Isaiah Adams
- Jonah Williams
- Kelvin Beachum
- Jon Gaines II
- Hayden Conner
- Christian Jones
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):
- Calais Campbell
- Dalvin Tomlinson
- Walter Nolen
- Darius Robinson
- Dante Stills
- Justin Jones
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 (6):
- Josh Sweat
- Zaven Collins
- Baron Browning
- B.J. Ojulari
- Jordan Burch
- Xavier Thomas
Keep ‘em all, baby!
ILB (4):
- Mack Wilson Sr.
- Akeem Davis-Gaither
- Cody Simon
- Owen Pappoe
Mykal Walker, at his salary, should pass through waivers and be able to come up from the PS when needed, especially for STs.
CB (7):
- Garrett Williams
- Max Melton
- Elijah Jones
- Starling Thomas V
- Kei’Trel Clark
- Will Johnson
- Denzel Burke
Sean Murphy-Bunting does not fit Nick Rallis’ defense as well as the younger players do. Monti might be able to get a late Day 3 draft pick for Kei’Trel Clark or swap him for a player. If not, he is a young talent who might get claimed, so let’s keep him!. Darren Hall, Jaylon Jones and Jaden Davis should be key members of the PS. As may Ekow Boye-Doe.
S (5):
- Budda Baker
- Jalen Thompson
- Dadrion Taylor-Demerson
- Joey Blount
- Kitan Crawford
It looks like Monti wants to hold on to Jalen Thompson. Although, a team with a sudden need at SS could make trade offers at some point. Jammie Robinson to the PS.
ST (3):
- Aaron Brewer
- Blake Gillikin
- Chad Ryland
Easiest position group to pick!
Most difficult? CBs.
Thought of the Day:
Light up The Dortch:
Make this guy the full-time kickoff and punt returner and turn him onto one of the most electric slot WRs in the NFL.
First route had me get up out of my chair
pic.twitter.com/G84hRJgi2z— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) May 5, 2025
“C’mon man!”
ROTB Poll:
How did you vote and why?