Cardinals GM Keim excited as new pieces put into place at minicamp

Jun 12, 2018, 10:24 AM | Updated: 5:00 pm

Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim does an interview with The Doug & Wolf Show on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018. (Matt Layman/Arizona Sports)

(Matt Layman/Arizona Sports)

BY TOM KUEBEL

Arizona Sports

Despite the uncertainties surrounding the start of Arizona Cardinals minicamp one thing is certain – general manager Steve Keim is fired up.

“I couldn’t sleep last night because I’m so excited about the team we have put together so far,” Keim said on the 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s Doug and Wolf show.

With questions swirling who would be the team’s head coach and quarterback following the retirements of Bruce Arians and Carson Palmer, Keim is happy after addressing the pressing needs for his team.

In early January, the team was without a head coach and had zero quarterbacks under contract. After signing head coach Steve Wilks and bringing in Sam Bradford, Mike Glennon and Josh Rosen at quarterback, Keim likes what he sees, especially the leadership out of the rookie Rosen.

“The first time he stepped in and called the play in the huddle with the first team he said, ‘Hey guys I’m Josh, lets call the play.’ Just that tone and setting the tone early on where it didn’t seem too big for him,” Keim said.

“I like him more every day. He has done a fantastic job so far, I know we all have to temper our enthusiasm a little bit, but it sure beats the alternative.”

Rosen isn’t the only quarterback on the roster who has made an impression on Keim.

“Every day I’m out there and see Sam (Bradford) throw it reminds me why he was the number one pick overall in the draft,” Keim said.

“I know Sam has the potential to be one of the better pure passers in the National Football League.”

As for the new head coach, the transition has been smooth and Wilks is proving to be the leader Keim saw while interviewing him as a candidate.

“He has a commanding presence, he has done a fantastic job so far. The lines of communication between (owner) Michael (Bidwill), myself and him has been fantastic,” Keim said.

The Cardinals are preparing for their first minicamp under Wilks. Minicamp will run for three days from Tuesday to Thursday.

Follow @GrandpaKeebs

Arizona Cardinals' Josh Rosen (3) throws during practice at the NFL football team's training camp, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Arizona Cardinals' Sam Bradford (9) throws during practice at the NFL football team's training camp, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

The Arizona Cardinals stretch during practice at the NFL football team's training camp, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Arizona Cardinals' Mason Cole (64) hits Greg Pyke (68) during practice at the NFL football team's training camp, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Arizona Cardinals' Christian Kirk (13) makes a catch during practice at the NFL football team's training camp, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald makes a catch during practice at the NFL football team's training camp, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks Josh Rosen (3), Sam Bradford (9) and Mike Glennon (7) stretch during practice at the NFL football team's training camp, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks, center, huddles up his team during practice at the NFL football team's training camp, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.