Arizona Cardinals: 5 Training Camp Battles to Watch

The Arizona Cardinals now at least have some optimism around their franchise. Such was not the case a few months ago. Quite the opposite.

It felt like the end of an era. Carson Palmer retired. Bruce Arians followed close behind. Larry Fitzgerald declared 2018 was his final season. Tyrann Mathieu was released. Calais Campbell had already gone. The core that had gotten this team to the NFC championship in 2015 was disappearing fast. So fast that the front office was having a hard time trying to keep up.

Thankfully they were able to put together a strong offseason that addressed some of their most critical needs. It probably doesn’t get them back into the contender status just yet, but it’s a start. First on the agenda is finding out how their starting lineup will look in a few months. That’s where determining winners of upcoming roster battles is crucial.

Here are five that should garner the most attention.

Sam Bradford vs. Josh Rosen

By now the drill is fairly clear to Sam Bradford. He’s gone from that irreplaceable quarterback to the quarterback teams are looking to replace. It happened in Philadelphia and again in Minnesota. No doubt he hoped to have another crack at the starting job in Arizona and sure enough, they moved up to get Josh Rosen. The coaches may insist Bradford is the starter, but minds can easily change over the course of a few months. If he doesn’t stake his claim right away, it’s entirely possible they will just desire to start the Rosen era off right away.

AQ Shipley vs. Mason Cole

It was clear by the signing of Justin Pugh that the Cardinals are intent on bolstering what was a leaky offensive line last year. Especially with their prized 1st round pick Rosen in play now. One name who could be an interesting wild card is 3rd rounder, Mason Cole. He’s got plenty of experience from Michigan and could start right away. The question is whether he can overcome veteran AQ Shipley who struggled often last season. Cole will have a better shot at the job than some realize.

Elijhaa Penny vs. Chase Edmonds

David Johnson will be the workhorse at running back for the Cardinals, getting the bulk of the touches. However, they can’t afford to lean on him too much. That makes the #2 running back spot important. Elijhaa Penny got a lot of action late last season and seemed to perform well. At least enough to warrant another look. The job isn’t going to get handed to him though. Rookie 4th round pick Chase Edmonds has that scat back style of speed, athleticism and pass-catching skill that will make him valuable on third down. Whether he can run between the tackle is another question.

Chad Williams vs. Christian Kirk

Former 3rd round pick Chad Williams had to be thrilled with the mass exodus at wide receiver this off-season. It meant he’d finally get a chance to play after appearing in just six games with three catches. Unfortunately, his hopes to get a featured role opposite Larry Fitzgerald became far more difficult with the arrival of 2nd round pick Christian Kirk. Expectations are he’ll be an immediate contributor, meaning Williams will have to go to even greater lengths to prove himself ready for having a prominent role moving forward.

Next: 2019 NFL Mock Draft: Firing the First Salvo

Brandon Williams vs. Bene Benwikere

Patrick Peterson has hoped the Cardinals would find a cornerback who could compliment him on the opposite side of the defense. Thus far they haven’t been able to do that consistently. More turnover at the position makes it even murkier. It looks like the two favorites for that slot are former draft pick Brandon Williams and veteran free agent Bene Benwikere. Both have shown flashes of potential but haven’t really ascended to the level of front line starter. Camp will be their time to show which is ready to prove they can.