Arizona Cardinals Roster and Depth Chart Projection (One Week Before Cut Day)
As the Arizona Cardinals approach the final week before roster cutdowns, the team faces critical decisions that will shape their 2024 season. With the NFL allowing teams to reduce rosters from 90 to 53 players by the deadline, each position battle and player evaluation becomes vital. This projection considers current roster trends, training camp performances, injury reports, and strategic needs.
### Current Roster Snapshot:
– **Kyler Murray** (Starter)
– **Joshua Dobbs**
– **Drew Pyne**
– **Jared Stidham** (Practice Squad candidate or IR)
### Analysis:
Kyler Murray is fully healthy and expected to be the undisputed starter. Dobbs has shown leadership and mobility, making him a valuable backup, especially given the team’s offensive scheme. Pyne remains a developmental prospect.
### Cut/Retention Outlook:
– **Keep:** Murray, Dobbs, Pyne
– **Cut/IR:** Stidham (if not needed as a practice squad or IR candidate)
### Strategic Notes:
The team may keep three quarterbacks, especially if Stidham demonstrates value on the practice squad or if they want to keep a veteran presence.
### Current Roster Snapshot:
– **James Conner** (Starter)
– **Keontay Ingram**
– **Corey Clement**
– **Emari Demercado**
– **Darryn Williams**
### Analysis:
Conner is the lead back, with Ingram providing flexibility and pass-catching ability. Demercado has flashed promise, especially as a special teams contributor. Clement and Williams are competing for the final spots.
### Cut/Retention Outlook:
– **Keep:** Conner, Ingram, Demercado
– **Likely Cut:** Clement, Williams
### Strategic Notes:
The team may keep three backs, possibly a fourth if a player demonstrates special teams value or versatility.
### Current Roster Snapshot:
– **Marquise Brown** (Starter)
– **Michael Wilson**
– **Rondale Moore**
– **Greg Dortch**
– **Kevin White**
– **Jaxon Hilton** (rookie)
– **Vyncint Smith**
### Analysis:
Brown, Wilson, and Moore are the primary starters. Dortch provides slot versatility. Hilton has flashed as a rookie and could earn a spot. Kevin White and Smith are battling for the final WR spots.
### Cut/Retention Outlook:
– **Keep:** Brown, Wilson, Moore, Dortch, Hilton
– **Fight for final spots:** Kevin White, Vyncint Smith
### Strategic Notes:
The team may keep 5 or 6 receivers based on special teams contributions and depth needs.
### Current Roster Snapshot:
– **Zach Ertz** (Healthy)
– **Trey McBride**
– **Ricky Seals-Jones**
– **Jared Pinkney**
### Analysis:
Ertz and McBride are the starters, with Seals-Jones being a veteran depth option. Pinkney provides additional blocking and special teams potential.
### Cut/Retention Outlook:
– **Keep:** Ertz, McBride, Seals-Jones
– **Cut:** Pinkney (unless special teams value)
### Strategic Notes:
Given Ertz’s injury history, the team might keep an extra TE for depth or special teams.
### Current Roster Snapshot:
– **Starting Tackles:** D.J. Humphries, Kelvin Beachum
– **Starting Guards:** Will Hernandez, Garrett Williams
– **Center:** Hjalte Froholdt
– **Backup OL:** Cody Ford, Jon Gaines II, Lecitus Smith, Onwuasor
### Analysis:
The starters are relatively settled, but backups are competing for final spots. Young players like Gaines and Lecitus have shown promise.
### Cut/Retention Outlook:
– **Keep:** All starters, plus 4-5 backups
– **Likely Cuts:** Players like Onwuasor, unless they shine on special teams
### Strategic Notes:
The team values versatile linemen who can play multiple positions.
### Current Roster Snapshot:
– **Defensive Ends:** JJ Watt (retired), Zach Allen, Cam Thomas, Jonathan Ledbetter
– **Defensive Tackles:** Grahame Gano, Rashard Lawrence, Byron Murphy (also CB), Leki Fotu
### Analysis:
Watt’s retirement leaves a leadership void. Allen and Thomas are key pass rushers. Young players like Ledbetter and Fotu will compete for roles.
### Cut/Retention Outlook:
– **Keep:** Allen, Thomas, Ledbetter, Fotu, Gano
– **Cut:** Some veterans or young players depending on performance
### Strategic Notes:
The team may seek to add a veteran pass rusher or develop young talent.
### Current Roster Snapshot:
– **Starters:** Zaven Collins, Kyzir White
– **Others:** Jesse Luccini, Darian Beavers, Ben Niemann, Josh Woods
### Analysis:
Collins and White are the primary starters. Beavers and Niemann provide depth and special teams.
### Cut/Retention Outlook:
– **Keep:** All primary linebackers
– **Fight for spots:** Young players or special teams contributors
### Strategic Notes:
Special teams play will influence final cuts.
### Cornerbacks (CB):
– **Starting CBs:** Marco Wilson, Antonio Hamilton
– **Nickel:** Byron Murphy Jr.
– **Others:** KeiVarae Russell, Jace Whittaker, Christian Bryan
### Safeties:
– **Starters:** Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson
– **Depth:** Kyon Barrs, Miguel Mitchell, Jermari Harris
### Analysis:
The secondary appears relatively settled but will be evaluated for depth, special teams, and potential injuries.
### Cut/Retention Outlook:
– **Keep:** All key contributors, additional developmental players
– **Fight for final spots:** Young CBs and safeties
### Strategic Notes:
The team may consider adding a veteran or developmental player at corner or safety.
– **Kicker:** Matt Prater
– **Punter:** Andy Lee
– **Returners:** Rondale Moore, Greg Dortch
### Analysis:
Special teams are crucial for field position. The team will likely retain their core specialists.
### Key Positional Battles:
– **Quarterback:** Primarily Murray, Dobbs, Pyne
– **Running Back:** Conner, Ingram, Demercado
– **Wide Receiver:** Final spots among Hilton, White, Smith, and undrafted/free agents
– **OL:** Backup spots for young linemen
– **DL:** Young depth players competing for rotational roles
– **LB & DB:** Special teams contributions critical for final cuts
– **Injury Management:** Players returning from injury may be placed on IR or cut to make room.
– **Special Teams:** Players with strong special teams value likely to secure final spots.
– **Youth Development vs. Veteran Presence:** Balancing experienced players with young prospects.
One week before cut day, the Arizona Cardinals are at a pivotal point in roster building. They will aim to preserve talent that offers versatility, special teams value, and developmental potential. The roster will likely be finalized with a mix of seasoned veterans, promising rookies, and developmental players, all aligned with the team’s strategic goals for the 2024 season.
