The Arizona Cardinals did not play their starters in their preseason finale on Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings. Three rookies were among those not dressing for the game.
What does that mean? It would appear that these three Cardinals draft picks have secured a spot in the starting lineup or at least a solid spot in the playing rotation.
AZCardinals.com’s Darren Urban noted that tackle Paris Johnson, the Cardinals’ first-round pick, receiver Michael Wilson, selected in the third round, and cornerback Kei’Trel Clark, a fifth-round selection, were all in street clothes before the game.
Johnson will be the Cardinals’ starting right tackle. He has worked there all offseason.
Wilson appears to have locked up a starting spot at receiver. He started with Marquise Brown in the Cardinals’ preseason game last week against the Kansas City Chiefs. He will at least be among the Cardinals’ top four receivers in the offensive rotation.
Clark started at cornerback last week against the Chiefs opposite Marco Wilson. He likely has locked up at least a spot in the top three cornerback rotation.
The youth movement for the Cardinals has officially begun. After years of rookies being brought along slowly, often out of necessity, they are going all in, trying to compete with rookies in the lineup.
At least one other rookie, linebacker BJ Ojulari, their second-round pick, also figures to play a role in the defensive rotation. He is expected to play in the preseason finale.
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