DEFENSIVE LINE’S LOW-KEY JUMP
The Cardinals’ defensive line rotation for the final game (in order of snaps) of the season last year was Roy Lopez, Phil Hoskins, Ben Stille, Naquan Jones and Leki Fotu. Only Fotu was on the roster when the season began. It became a point of emphasis. Lopez is back for a full year, Dante Stills can build on his rookie year, and Darius Robinson was a first-round pick. Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols and Khyiris Tonga highlighted the free-agent class. The roster overhaul, if you had to pick one place, is highlighted here, and it will make a difference.
ANTICIPATION OF HARRISON + WILSON
The looks have been brief, but when we have seen Marvin Harrison Jr. on the practice field, he looks excellent. When teammates talk about him, they echo that feeling. “Can’t miss” is a dangerous tag, but it doesn’t feel risky with MHJ. It’s a tantalizing starting point. But when you add in Michael Wilson, who was good as a rookie and has the brains to go with the skill to be much better – and the willingness to get dirty in the run game – the Cardinals’ starting wideouts take on a new meaning. Until the duo does it on the field, it means nothing. But there are good reasons to believe Harrison/Wilson as WR1 and WR2 will be a significant duo.
A DRAMA-FREE OFFSEASON
Anyone who might’ve wanted a contract was still around for all the voluntary work. The QB was in place leading the way. There was no coaching search, or GM search. No one raised a ruckus. There was plenty of that around the NFL, but the Cardinals were untouched, another reason this was an efficient and productive offseason program.