Projected 2020 Arizona Cardinals roster and practice squad
By Matt Murray
Running Backs (4): Kenyan Drake, Chase Edmonds, Eno Benjamin, Jonathan Ward
The trade that sent David Johnson to the Houston Texans helped shape exactly what the Cardinals would need in the running back room this offseason. They made the smart and easy decision to transition tag Kenyan Drake ensuring they will get to see what he can do in the offense for a full season. They will continue with Chase Edmonds as the number two running back and then the questions begin.
The number three option seems like it will go to local product and seventh round pick Eno Benjamin out of ASU. Benjamin could be a great short-area runner and shows the ability to catch out of the backfield. He is not much of a deep threat and doesn’t have excessive speed but is a powerful one cut runner.
The fourth back is between DJ Foster and Jonathan Ward, an undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan University. As far as Foster is concerned, the Arizona Cardinals understand what they have as a prospect. However, his continued injuries and lack of playing time show that he may never have a bigger/more impactful role for the Cardinals.
Ward, on the other hand, has a fresh opportunity for the Arizona Cardinals. During his time in college, he had two 1,000-yard seasons and 98 receptions. He shows his abilities to be elusive, change speed and direction, and be a true hands catcher throughout his tape.
In conclusion, my four backs would include Kenyan Drake, Chase Edmonds, Eno Benjamin and Jonathan Ward.
Tight End (3): Maxx Williams, Dan Arnold, Darrell Daniels
The tight end position is interesting for the Cardinals as it is less important than many other offensive positions but cannot be forgotten when looking to protect Kyler Murray or add an additional threat downfield. As for blocking I don’t think they need to look any farther than Maxx Williams who went under the radar for the Cardinals but put together a solid season with PFF grades of 82 and 84 (pass blocking and run blocking respectively).
Murray has been a strong supporter of my TE2 Dan Arnold who joined the team late in 2019 and jumped into headlines quickly as an impact player in the redzone. Arnold has been praised multiple times by Murray and there is nothing better than your receiving threats creating connections with their quarterbacks.
The TE3 here is Darrell Daniels who can help on special teams and is a depth piece at tight end. One last player to watch out for is Dylan Cantrell who is a hybrid tight end/wide receiver who played for Kliff Kingsbury at Texas Tech.
Roster (9)
QB (2)- Kyler Murray, Brett Hundley
RB (4)- Kenyan Drake, Chase Edmonds, Eno Benjamin, Jonathan Ward
TE (3)- Maxx Williams, Dan Arnold, Darrell Daniels