CARDINALS CORNER

Antonio Hamilton listed as CB2 in Cardinals’ 1st depth chart of 2023

Aug 7, 2023, 8:31 PM | Updated: Aug 8, 2023, 9:39 am

Antonio Hamilton runs out of the tunnel...

Cornerback Antonio Hamilton #33 of the Arizona Cardinals runs onto the field during the NFL preseason game at State Farm Stadium on August 21, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The Ravens defeated the Cardinals 24-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

GLENDALE — It wouldn’t be game week for the Arizona Cardinals without an “official” depth chart.

Sure, it’s for Game 1 of the preseason and there’s still nearly five weeks before the regular season rolls around.

If there’s salt around, take this depth chart with it. But nonetheless, the depth chart gives us a starting point as to how this team might look come Week 1.

Defensively, the big question has centered around who would be slotting in at cornerback alongside projected starter Marco Wilson.

And while Christian Matthew and Kei’Trel Clark have seen first-team reps this camp, it’s Antonio Hamilton Sr. getting the starting nod when the Denver Broncos come to town on Friday.

Matthew and Clark, meanwhile, are the first two cornerbacks off the bench for the Cardinals.

Surprisingly, rookie Garrett Williams, who is currently on the non-football injury list while he recovers from a torn ACL suffered last season, is next in line with Nate Hairston on the other side.

Arizona Cardinals depth chart notes

‘The ultimate pro’

Second-year pros Cameron Thomas and Myjai Sanders have been among the names talked about the most when trying to figure out who is going to rush the quarterback opposite inside-turned-outside linebacker Zaven Collins.

But when the lights come on at State Farm Stadium on Friday night, linebacker Dennis Gardeck is slated to take the field as a starting pass rusher across from Collins, who has been raved about too much not to have a starting role.

“Ultimate pro,” head coach Jonathan Gannon said of Gardeck on Monday. “He really goes out of his way to help his teammates understand, give them cheat points, tips here or there. He’s always very curious … he’s a student of the game, he’s got a growth mindset. Football character’s through the roof. Glad we have him and like where he’s going.”

Gardeck has been one of the constants with the first team in addition to getting some added reps with the second team this camp.

Speaking of Thomas and Sanders, the former slots in behind Collins, followed by rookie BJ Ojulari. The latter on the other hand is listed behind both Gardeck and Victor Dimukeje.

Sanders was back to work on Monday after missing multiple practices with a hand injury suffered during the first week of camp.

Down in the trenches

The Cardinals’ starting offensive line remains intact with what we’ve seen for the majority of training camp:

LT: D.J. Humphries
LG: Elijah Wilkinson
C: Hjalte Froholdt
RG: Will Hernandez
RT: Paris Johnson Jr.

The biggest battle along the line figures to be at left guard. Wilkinson has maintained his role throughout camp, though Dennis Daley has started to creep in here and there.

Rookie Jon Gaines II also enters Friday’s tilt as the team’s backup center, beating out veteran option Pat Elflein. The two have been sharing reps at the position this week.

On the other side of the trenches, it’s defensive ends Jonathan Ledbetter and L.J. Collier and nose tackle Leki Fotu leading the charge.

Fotu and Ledbetter were holdovers from last season, while Collier is looking to reboot his NFL career following his time in Seattle.

As for Rashard Lawrence, a Week 1 starter the past two seasons, the lineman finds himself behind Fotu and free-agent signing Kevin Strong.

It also looks like we might finally have our answer to the ongoing question of whether or not Arizona is sticking with a base 3-4 defense.

Uphill climb

Cardinals tight end Noah Togiai has been one of Arizona’s camp standouts this year yet finds himself fourth on the depth chart behind Zach Ertz (when healthy), Trey McBride and Geoff Swaim.

But with both Ertz and McBride dealing with their respective issues, Togiai should be able to put something on tape on Friday.

No surprise at QB

The Clayton Tune hype train has been full steam ahead throughout training camp, especially when his starting point was working with the 2s.

But at least on paper, it’s still Colt McCoy earning the starting nod with Kyler Murray still on the mend from his torn ACL.

David Blough is next in line with Jeff Driskel taking up the fourth spot.

Wilson with the 2s

Another rookie with loads of attention has been wide receiver Michael Wilson.

His ascension to starter isn’t quite there yet, though, as he is listed behind Zach Pascal. The veteran is joined by starters Hollywood Brown and Rondale Moore.

Special teams clarity?

Two important positions have been up in the air when it comes the special teams unit, punter and return man.

Ten days into camp and Nolan Cooney and Greg Dortch appear to have a grasp on the roles.

Cooney is listed as both the punter and holder, while Dortch is set to man both kick and punt return duties.

Preseason game 1: Arizona Cardinals depth chart

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Arizona Cardinals CB Antonio Hamilton tackles RB Emari Demercado on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals LB BJ Ojulari looks on during training camp on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals QBs coach Israel Woolfork looks on during training camp on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals QB Clayton Tune looks on during training camp on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals QB Colt McCoy smiles during training camp on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals OC Drew Petzing looks on during training camp on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals S Isaiah Simmons looks on during training camp on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals OLBs Zaven Collins and BJ Ojulari run through drills during training camp on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) The Arizona Cardinals offense huddles during the Red & White practice on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals TE Bernhard Seikovits signs an autograph during the Red & White practice on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals OLB Zaven Collins signs an autograph during Red & White practice on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals TE Zach Ertz signs an autograph during Red & White practice on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) An Arizona Cardinals fan looks on during the Red & White practice on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals WR Michael Wilson signs autographs during the Red & White practice on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals WR Andre Baccellia looks on during the Red & White practice on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) An Arizona Cardinals fan looks on during the Red & White practice on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals RB Emari Demercado runs the rock during the Red & White practice on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals QB Clayton Tune attempts a pass during the Red & White practice on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals QB Jeff Driskel run through drills during training camp on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals QBs coach Israel Woolfork looks on during training camp on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals QB Clayton Tune looks on during training camp on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort chats during training camp on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon looks on during training camp on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals S JuJu Hughes looks on during training camp on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals WR Andre Baccellia looks on during training camp on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals during training camp on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals LB Josh Woods runs through drills during training camp on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals WR Michael Wilson and CB Marco Wilson run through drills during training camp on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals WR Michael Wilson looks on during training camp on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals TE Bernhard Seikovits looks on during training camp on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner looks on during training camp on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) JuJu Hughes at training camp Arizona Cardinals S Budda Baker (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals QB Clayton Tune speaks with reporters during training camp on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals QB Clayton Tune looks on during training camp on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals RB Ty'Son Williams runs through drills during training camp on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner runs through drills during training camp on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals OL Lecitus Smith looks on during training camp on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals OL Lecitus Smith works on his snaps during training camp on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon looks on during training camp on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Cameron Thomas runs through drills during training camp on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Myjai Sanders looks on during training camp on Monday, July 31, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis chats with wide receiver Michael Wilson during training camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals fans during training camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals WR Andre Baccellia makes a catch during training camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals WR Andre Baccellia makes a catch during training camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals WR Brandon Smith makes a catch during training camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals fans during training camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals fans during training camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals fan looks on during training camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals fan looks on during training camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort chats during training camp on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray looks on during training camp on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner runs through drills during training camp on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals RB Corey Clement runs through drills during training camp on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner runs through drills during training camp on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals QB Jeff Driskel throws a pass during training camp on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Kyzir White at training camp Arizona Cardinals CB Kei'Trel Clark runs through drills during training camp on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals QB Colt McCoy runs through drills during training camp on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals CB Kei'Trel Clark looks on during training camp on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals CB Rashad Fenton runs through drills during training camp on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals CB Christian Matthew runs through drills during training camp on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals CB Marco Wilson runs through drills during training camp on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals CB Kyler McMichael runs through drills during training camp on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals CB Rashad Fenton runs through drills during training camp on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals CB Bobby Price runs through drills during training camp on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals CB Antonio Hamilton runs through drills during training camp on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals CB Bobby Price runs through drills during training camp on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals CB Rashad Fenton runs through drills during training camp on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)

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