With free agency and the draft completed, and OTAs and minicamps scheduled for the next month and a half, here’s a closer look at the depth chart for the Arizona Cardinals (starters in bold):
OFFENSE
Quarterback (3): Sam Bradford, Mike Glennon, Josh Rosen,
When was the last time the Cardinals' quarterback rotation had their present and future at the same time? The present is Bradford. If he gets hurt, then it’s likely the present jumps Glennon to the future: Rosen.
Running back (5): David Johnson, T.J. Logan, D.J. Foster, Eli Penny, Chase Edmonds
This will continue to be Johnson’s show, with the others his backup singers. But this might be as talented a running backs room as Arizona has had in recent memory.
Wide receiver (6): Larry Fitzgerald, Brice Butler, J.J. Nelson, Christian Kirk, Chad Williams, Rashad Ross.
Butler will get a chance to establish himself as a clear-cut No. 2 receiver, which Arizona will need behind Fitzgerald. If he can’t, the receiving corps, aside from Fitzgerald, could end up being the offense’s biggest liability.
Tight end (4): Jermaine Gresham, Ricky Seals-Jones, Gabe Holmes, Bryce Williams
As Gresham continues to recover from Achilles surgery, other tight ends will get plenty of reps to prove their value to the roster, which might make this position the most fluid on the team.
Tackle (5): D.J. Humphries, Andre Smith, John Wetzel, Will Holden, Korey Cunningham
Aside from Humphries and Smith, Arizona has three tackles who can play inside, if needed. Health will again be the issue for the edge of Arizona’s line.
Guard (3): Justin Pugh, Mike Iupati, Evan Boehm.
Just like at tackle, health will be a concern for Arizona’s guards, but the Cardinals will benefit from position flexibility elsewhere in a time of crisis.
Center (2): A.Q. Shipley, Mason Cole.
This could be one of the most intriguing position battles to watch this offseason. If Cole can come in and impress, there’s a chance he could steal Shipley’s starting job out from under him.
DEFENSE
Cornerback (5): Patrick Peterson, Brandon Williams, Bene Benwikere, Chris Campbell, Lou Young,
Cornerback continues to be one of the most interesting positions on this team. There’s only one clear starter right now: Peterson. None of the other corners has ran away with the second job.
Safety (4): Budda Baker, Antoine Bethea, Rudy Ford, Harlan Miller.
Baker had an impressive rookie season, making the Pro Bowl on special teams, but this year he should benefit from having the veteran Bethea next to him and in his ear constantly.
Linebacker (6): Haason Reddick, Josh Bynes, Deone Bucannon, Scooby Wright, Gabe Martin, Jeremy Cash.
Arizona’s 4-3 scheme will be an adjustment for some, but what’s unknown is how multiple or how exotic new defensive coordinator Al Holcomb will get with his scheme, which could have these three all over the place.
Defensive line (7): Chandler Jones, Markus Golden, Rodney Gunter, Corey Peters, Robert Nkemdiche, Olsen Pierre, Benson Mayowa.
There might not be two more established players on the roster than Jones and Golden. The interior line will start the season as a question mark, with Nkemdiche heading into Year 3 and Gunter being given a larger role.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Punter (1): Andy Lee
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. That’s the key with Lee. He’s still consistent at 35.
Kicker (1): Phil Dawson
Dawson played through some peaks and valleys last season, but if he can be consistent, the Cardinals have no reason to look elsewhere.
Long snapper (1): Aaron Brewer
Brewer came back from injury last season to keep his job, and it’ll be his to lose this offseason.
Kick returner (1): T.J. Logan
There’s a lot of anticipation surrounding Logan this offseason. He hurt his wrist in last year’s Hall of Fame Game after showing glimpses of his breakaway speed.
Punt returner (1): Chase Edmonds
The rookie running back from Fordham can make a name for himself on special teams as he tries to crack the running back rotation.