Arizona Cardinals: 5 Must-Watch Rookies in the Preseason

Aug 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver J.J. Nelson (14) makes a catch during training camp at University of Phoenix. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Intrigue surrounds the Arizona Cardinals 2015 season for a reason. There’s a certain unknown with Bruce Arians’ squad that brings exciting storylines to the table when you examine the Cardinals schedule.

Heck, even Carson Palmer up top is uncertain. His unit provides a very unique and difficult question mark. As you comb through and examine the depth chart on offense, you’ll notice the striking similarity to 2014’s season.

Not necessarily a bad thing, but Arizona did very little to add to the offensive attack over the offseason.

More from NFL News

• Patriots News & Rumors: Ezekiel Elliott talks fun in Foxboro; Mills to Packers?
• NFC East Buzz: Isaiah Simmons trade, Deuce Vaughn praise, Eagles rumors & more
• Should Trey Lance be considered an NFL draft bust?
• Jonathan Taylor trade rumors: 3 most alluring fits for Colts star running back
• Tua Tagovailoa: keep ‘my name out of your mouth’; Dolphins QB sends strong message

At receiver, it’s still Fitzgerald/Floyd with youngster John Brown at WR3.

For the running back group, Ellington is still the top option with a crapshoot behind him that consists of Chris Johnson, rookie David Johnson (see more later) and a handful of other weapons.

Simply put: there’s limited change on the offense. With that said, it’s Carson Palmer’s job to make this a non-issue.

He’s on, Arizona wins. It’s fairly simple.

For the limited additions that the Cardinals had, it’ll be the rookies who must be new faces with big production.

Without further ado, five of those youngsters who we need to watch over the rest of training camp and preseason.

J.J. Nelson

Nelson comes from UAB into the NFL known primarily for his speed. In February at the NFL Scouting Combine, he ran a 4.28 officially, showing off what he did best during his time in college.

Arizona drafting him in the 5th was nothing more than a low-risk, high-reward selection. However, he’s shown enough during his early time with the team that warrants a good look, especially in the return game where he’ll look to get opportunities behind Brittan Golden.

As you’ll see in the video, he’s not the most intimidating physical specimen. However, with the Cardinals already possessing size in Fitzgerald and Floyd, they can afford having a Nelson-like frame in their arsenal, especially is he can catch the football.

He should make the roster barring injury, so he’s not exactly pressed for big games. However, watch for his route-running and production as the preseason rolls on. If he proves he can be reliable, he’ll get reps in 2015.

Next: More on Offense