DeAndre Hopkins, vet DBs helping refine rookie Marco Wilson’s game

GLENDALE — One of the Arizona Cardinals’ stars from their preseason victory over the Dallas Cowboys was undoubtedly rookie cornerback Marco Wilson.

The rookie was quick to find his way onto the stat sheet, leading the team with four tackles through two quarters and finishing with two passes defensed, a game high. He was targeted six times, forcing three incompletions, per Pro Football Focus.

While Friday marked a strong showing for the rookie, Wilson put his head down and went right back to work during Sunday’s edition of training camp, understanding there’s still parts of his game that he can clean up.

Almost. pic.twitter.com/KorVG5EiPZ

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 15, 2021

He’s leaving no stone unturned, either, continually using veteran voices on both defense and offense to refine his game.

“I feel like I lean on all the vet defensive backs equally, trying to get some knowledge from them,” Wilson said Sunday. “But one thing that’s really been helpful, I talk to DeAndre Hopkins because he goes against some of the greatest guys in the league at my position so I ask him for tips every now and then.”

“I go against him every now and then in practice so he’ll point out little things that I can do to help my game improve,” Wilson added.

Rookie CB Marco Wilson on what he’s improved on since joining the team: pic.twitter.com/gOkmuEVlDj

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 15, 2021

Wilson’s development as an NFL corner only helps grow the team’s confidence in the depth it has at a position many have been concerned about this offseason.

The team’s cornerback room underwent a major facelift this offseason, adding Malcolm Butler and a healthy Robert Alford to the fold. General manager Steve Keim didn’t stop there, doubling down in the draft with the additions of Wilson and Tay Gowan.

“I mentioned it beginning of training camp, I thought some of the additions we made through the draft and free agency late were big,” Kingsbury said. “It’s been good competition, they’re all learning the system.

“Having Robert Alford back healthy has been a real boost to that room, having a veteran presence like that. I like where it’s heading.”

EXTRA POINTS

– Quarterback Kyler Murray was back at practice after not dressing for the team’s first preseason game. He looked sharp throughout practice. Other players practicing after missing Friday’s action were Chandler Jones and Budda Baker. A.J. Green did some individual work. Zach Allen was also in uniform.

– Offensive lineman Max Garcia exited practice early Sunday. He was seen walking off with a trainer. Garcia is slated as the team’s No. 2 center behind Rodney Hudson. Rookie Michal Menet, who sits third on the team’s first official depth chart, could see some extended reps if Garcia is held out of practice.

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