Which Cardinals Rookies Can Make Instant Impact?
The Arizona Cardinals walked away with a total of nine players from the 2023 NFL Draft, each bringing their own respective story and abilities to a football team looking to rebound from a horrible 4-13 season.
By many accounts, the Cardinals aren't expected to compete right away. Of course Jonathan Gannon and his staff will coach to the best of their abilities, but there's not exactly Lombardi aspirations from the fan base.
With Arizona in the beginning stages of their rebuild, this season could afford the chance for young players to work themselves into the rotation. However, a good mix of talent and opportunity will be needed to see the field often in 2023.
How likely is each Cardinals rookie to make an instant impact?
Paris Johnson Jr.: Highly Likely
No surprises for the No. 6 overall pick here, right?
Paris Johnson's versatility will likely see him start at left guard - at least for 2023 as both tackle spots are already anchored (D.J. Humphries and Kelvin Beachum) while Will Hernandez holds down the other guard spot.
Will Johnson kick out to tackle after either Humphries or Beachum dips? Potentially, but look for the Cardinals to utilize Johnson's versatility right away.
BJ Ojulari: Highly Likely
Second-round pick BJ Ojulari arrives to a Cardinals front seven that lost J.J. Watt, Zach Allen and Markus Golden in the offseason. Second year players in Cameron Thomas and Myjai Sanders will surely get their opportunities to shine, but there's no reason for Ojulari to sit when half of Arizona's sack production disappeared over the last few months.
Ojulari rushed the passer from both sides of the scrimmage, proving he can be a versatile piece for defensive coordinator Nick Rallis.
Garrett Williams: Highly Likely
Garrett Williams would have likely been drafted higher if not for his ACL injury suffered last year.
However, he did - and thus his draft stock fell. But the Cardinals believe in Williams getting healthy, which can be a great sign for a secondary that lost Byron Murphy in free agency.
A 100% ready Williams should compete for a starting cornerback spot alongside Marco Wilson and Antonio Hamilton. His skills have drawn high praise, as some talent evaluators have said Williams possesses natural talents other corners simply don't have.
Michael Wilson: Unlikely
This is not an indication of Wilson as a player, but rather what's ahead of him on the depth chart.
This is operating under the assumption DeAndre Hopkins remains with the Cardinals. Nobody really knows his future, but all outside indications suggest he'll stay with Arizona - for now.
If that's the case, Wilson joins a receiving corps with Hopkins, Marquise Brown, Rondale Moore and Greg Dortch.
Wilson has a nice build to him while posting crazy athletic numbers at the combine. The Cardinals would love for him to burst on the scene in his rookie year, but a crowded room may put that on hold for just a bit down the road.
Jon Gaines II: Unlikely
For the record, I think this is the must underrated pick of Arizona's draft haul. Jon Gaines is as versatile as they come and has experience to back it up.
For a Cardinals offensive line sure to enter a youth movement in the next few years, Gaines will likely have to wait for his time to shine after the veterans depart.
One interesting battle to watch in Arizona will be the starting spot at center, where Hjalte Froholdt is currently considered the favorite but Gaines could ultimately make that a battle.
Solid pick for down the road, but instantly? It's a tough call to see Gaines playing right away.
Clayton Tune: Potentially
This is one of the more interesting conversations with Arizona's rookie class.
The Cardinals are likely to be without Kyler Murray for the start of the season, and nobody really knows when he'll be ready. Arizona brass have been adamant that they won't rush him back from injury.
David Blough is still fairly unproven despite a nice cameo in Arizona last year, and typical Murray replacement Colt McCoy continues to get older and has been limited this offseason with an unspecified surgery.
Thus, the door opens up for Clayton Tune (who was praised by the Cardinals after his selection, but what team won't talk highly of their guys?) to make a potential push to earn playing time right away.
If he's anywhere close to what Houston saw from him at the college level, there's a shot he can play a game or two before Murray returns.
Owen Pappoe: Sneaky Chance, Yes
The position of Isaiah Simmons will dictate whether this happens.
Owen Pappoe is best built for a weakside linebacker position in a traditional 4-3 defense thanks to his frame and speed - he actually tied Simmons with a 4.39 40-yard dash time at the combine.
Should Simmons continue playing in the secondary, Pappoe is set to slide in nicely where Simmons is projected to play. The Cardinals have yet to reveal their defensive plans but many believe they'll roll with a similar game plan Jonathan Gannon and Nick Rallis did in Philadelphia.
For what's worth, Zaven Collins has been getting some work in at outside linebacker during the offseason, which would open another spot up for Pappoe to play as an interior linebacker.
Kei'Trel Clark: Wildcard
Again, this depends on what they'll do with Simmons.
Kei'Trel Clark transitioned to slot duties as a corner last year at Louisville, which is where he projects to play at the next level thanks to his frame and physicality at the line of scrimmage.
Simmons handled most nickelback duties last year in Arizona, though it's clear plans could change under the new regime.
If Simmons sticks, Clark will likely be relegated to majority of special teams work as he finds his footing at the next level.
Dante Stills: Unlikely, but Small Chance
Dante Stills is considered to be a bit of tweener at the next level, as he doesn't seem to have a bonafide position at the next level. What's working in his favor is Arizona still has named such as Leki Fotu, Rashard Lawrence and Jonathan Ledbetter upfront - all viable options but not solidified starters in concrete heading into next year.
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