Arizona Cardinals depth chart: 6 observations with initial depth chart of preseason
The Arizona Cardinals have a preseason game this week against the Kansas City Chiefs and released their first depth chart of the preseason. For the most part, it comes without surprises. The players you expect to see as starters are starters.
That said, there are a few observations worth noting.
Arizona Cardinals depth chart: Preseason Week 1 observations
Zay Jones in the lead for WR 3
Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson are locked in with top two receiver spots. Jones is listed as the top slot receiver. He saw his role grow late last season and has received plenty of praise from head coach Jonathan Gannon. He probably won't play in the slot, but he can.
Greg Dortch not listed in the slot
The listed position isn't that important, but seeing Dortch in a position other that slot receiver on the depth chart is new.
Darius Robinson a starter
Seeing veterans Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell as starters is no surprise. Neither is seeing the 2024 first-round pick, but he is ahead of Justin Jones, who has been a starter every season in the NFL other than his rookie season.
Akeem Davis-Gaither in the lead at LB
Mack Wilson has been established as the starting "Mike" linebacker, the player with the radio in his helmet to receive the playcalls from defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. Davis-Gaither leads Owen Pappoe for the other starting job, in what is one of the more notable position battles.
Will Johnson a starter
This is also not a surprise, considering the season-ending ACL tear to cornerback Star Thomas. But the trio of starters are a rookie, a second-year player (Max Melton) and a third-year player (Garrett Williams).
No insight to returners
Only DeeJay Dallas and Greg Dortch are listed as kick and punt returners, so we don't know who else might be in the mix and who else will get work in those roles in the preseason opener on Saturday.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
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