ARIZONA CARDINALS

Marco Wilson knows he’s earned nothing in Cardinals’ CB rotation

Aug 9, 2022, 8:25 AM

Arizona Cardinals second-year pro Marco Wilson is aware that relative success his rookie year hasn’t cemented his place as the No. 2 cornerback.

It didn’t take head coach Kliff Kingsbury last week saying the “jury’s still out” on Wilson’s role for Wilson to have an urgent approach.

“I hear things like that. When it comes to depth charts and stuff like that, it’s never certain,” Wilson told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke on Monday. “I mean, they always tell us the best guys are going to play, no matter how long you’ve been here or how short you’ve been here.

“I’ve seen that last year as a fourth-rounder and being able to take those snaps. The key for me is to just never get comfortable and think that I’m good with where I’m at. I know I can lose my spot as easy as anybody.”

Wilson said he’s not discussed his role with Kingsbury, but defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has emphasized that starting roles have been open competitions.

The cornerback added that after playing mostly in man-to-man at Florida before the Cardinals drafted him in the fourth round last year, he still has room to grow, especially on zone coverages.

Wilson also admitted he hit something of a rookie wall last season after a strong start.

“For sure, I would agree,” he said. “I’ll just say that’s probably just me being a rookie, never dealing with a season being that long and just having to adjust with a few injuries and stuff like that. Going into the season now, my second year … I feel like things like that won’t show up before.”

Wilson, who has battled a groin injury the last few days of camp, started 13 of the 14 games he played but was inactive the final two games of 2021 due to a shoulder injury.

He posted 48 tackles with four passes defended and two forced fumbles.

Along with Wilson, Antonio Hamilton and Josh Jackson are in the hunt to earn significant roles at cornerback.

Hamilton earned mention from Wilson as an underrated teammate at cornerback, while Kingsbury also on Monday listed the veteran on his short-list of players in the mix to earn time.

“(The cornerback rotation is) to-be-determined, no doubt,” Kingsbury told reporters. “I’ve been impressed by Hamilton … he’s really played well in camp. We need Marco and we need another one of those young guys to come on.”

Arizona Cardinals

Max Melton runs the 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Draft Combine...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals rookies on cusp of writing new chapter in their football journeys

While the NFL Draft marked the end of one journey, it along with rookie minicamp kicking off Friday signaled the beginning of another.

3 hours ago

Xavier Thomas celebrates midgame...

Tyler Drake

Arizona Cardinals sign Xavier Thomas, 3 other rookies to 4-year contracts

The Arizona Cardinals signed four rookies from their 2024 NFL Draft class to four-year contracts on Thursday.

4 hours ago

Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. announces on his social media he will be wearing...

Bailey Leasure

Marvin Harrison Jr. announces his Cardinals jersey number

Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. announces on his social media he will be wearing No. 18 for the team.

1 day ago

Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals runs onto the field before the game against the Seattle Se...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals schedule to release on May 15, per report

The Arizona Cardinals already know what teams they will be playing and where, just not when. That date is soon approaching, per a report.

2 days ago

Trey Benson celebrates...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals questions post-NFL Draft: Who takes over at RB2 behind James Conner?

Two names who could make a case to lock down the Cardinals' RB2 role include rookie Trey Benson and veteran Michael Carter.

2 days ago

Markus Bailey celebrates after a play...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals sign ex-Bengals linebacker Markus Bailey to 1-year deal

The Arizona Cardinals signed former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Markus Bailey to a one-year deal, the team announced Tuesday.

2 days ago

Marco Wilson knows he’s earned nothing in Cardinals’ CB rotation