Mike Jurecki’s Birdseed Observations: Sunday, July 24
Jul 24, 2017, 11:24 AM | Updated: 4:03 pm
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) takes the field during the first day of NFL football training camp, Saturday, July 22, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
Glendale, Ariz. — Bruce Arians addressed the media on Sunday:
Where is Blaine Gabbert in terms of picking up the offense?
B.A.: “Way ahead of where I thought he’d be. To be able to come in — having been a part of so many systems it’s obvious he’s a very bright guy. But changing protections, seeing ‘hots’ and ‘sights’, he’s way, way ahead of where I thought he’d be and very, very pleased with that.”
If Gabbert continues to impress, is there a chance he can compete to be the No. 2 quarterback?
B.A.: “Yeah, anybody can. It’s going to be a tough one to get but yeah, that’s why he’s out there.”
What have you seen from Scooby Wright at inside linebacker?
B.A.: “He had a hell of a spring. If he’d just quit tackling them wide receivers and tight ends going over the middle. He’s very aggressive. He has a knack to play the linebacker position. He’s trimmed down. It’s going to be a big camp for him.”
What are you seeing from punters Richie Leone and Matt Wile?
B.A.: “It’s early. They both picked kicked really well this spring. They’re both holding solid, so the kickoff part will play into it, too. That’s going to be a nice battle all the way through.”
Monday will be the first padded practice at University of Phoenix Stadium and Arians said of who he is looking forward to seeing them in pads: “Every one of those offensive and defensive linemen, for sure, A couple of young tight ends, outside backers and see how that goes.
“Even the running backs in blitz pick-up. See where they’re at and their technique is usually bad but the courage factor is the thing you want to see.”
The official depth chart will be released before the first preseason game when the Cardinals play on Aug. 3 in the Hall of Fame (Canton, Ohio) against the Cowboys. My unofficial depth chart:
Offense
QB: Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton, Blaine Gabbert, Trevor Knight
RB: David Johnson, Chris Johnson, Kerwynn Williams
WR: Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, J.J. Nelson
TE: Jermaine Gresham, Troy Niklas
LT: D.J. Humphries, Urlick John
LG: Mike Iupati, Kaleb Johnson, Will Holden
C: A.Q. Shipley, Cole Toner
RG: Evan Boehm, Tony Bertstrom, Dorian Johnson
RT: Jared Veldheer, John Wetzel
Defense first and second unit (Base defense)
DT: Josh Mauro, Robert Nkemdiche
NT: Corey Peters, Rodney Gunter
DT: Frostee Rucker, Olsen Pierre
OLB: Markus Golden, Kareem Martin
ILB: Haason Reddick, Gabe Martin (PUP Deone Bucannon)
ILB: Karlos Dansby, Scooby Wright
OLB: Chandler Jones, Alani Fua
CB: Patrick Peterson, Jumal Rolle (ankle day-to-day)
CB: Justin Bethel, Brandon Williams
S: Tyrann Mathieu, Budda Baker
S: Tyvon Branch, Antoine Bethea
Punt Returner
Patrick Peterson
J.J. Nelson
John Brown
Andre Ellington
Chris Hubert
Jeremy Ross
Kick Returner
J.J. Nelson
T.J. Logan
Running back rotation
David Johnson
Chris Johnson
Kerwynn Williams
Andre Ellington
Elijhaa Penny
James Summers
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