Cardinals in Search of Quality over Quantity During Rookie Camp

The Arizona Cardinals began rookie minicamp today, the first part of a busy offseason that now looks to shift gears to on-field activities.

This is an opportunity for teams to slowly but surely integrate their rookie class into their respective programs that will eventually lead into OTA's minicamp and eventually training camp.

The Cardinals had their draft picks from the 2023 NFL Draft present along with 10 UDFA's on the field along with 4 try-out players at their facility in Tempe, numbers that are minor compared to some other camps around the league.

Coach Jonathan Gannon said that was by design:

"How we decided, I've been a part of both different ways of doing it. Just as a staff, we thought we could maximize the guys that we feel are going to be here and help us win games moving forward to do it like this. I think what we decided, logistically, is a little bit better for the players. They get an introduction to how we do things this weekend and then we'll submerge them with the veterans - they're excited about submerging with the vets."

#AZCardinals rookie minicamp on Friday looked lighter than most around the league, with just a few tryout guys added to the mix of 2023 draft picks and UDFAs.

That was by design, says head coach Jonathan Gannon. pic.twitter.com/dF7Iwi3jA4
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) May 12, 2023

Less bodies means more reps and more eyes on players for the Cardinals' coaching staff, which could be key as the summer goes on and roster cuts will eventually be made. This also benefits players by allowing them to dig their heels deeper into the program/routine with a better chance of making an impact.

Voluntary OTA's begin on May 22. Mandatory Minicamp begins June 13.

Three Cardinals draft picks have yet to sign deals:

LB BJ Ojulari, CB Garrett Williams and CB Kei'Trel Clark. Clark was not present at camp today due to his graduation from the University of Louisville.