It is gettering more and more difficult to pick the Cardinals’ best 53 players —- and that’s a very good sign of the team’s progress.

Best 53 Cardinals:

QB (2):

Kyler Murray
Clayton Tune

If JG makes the QB2 roster spot a fair competition, Clayton Tune should win it by a wide margin. He is a stronger athlete, has a stronger, more accurate arm and is significantly more mobile than Jacoby Brissett. Tune handily beat out Desmond Ridder last year, Well, Desmond Ridder (8-10) is more capable of winning in the NFL in 2025 than Jacoby Brissett (19-34). And, no, Kyler does not need a mentor at this point in his career. The Cardinals cannot afford to give up a roster spot to a QB3.

RB (3):

James Conner
Trey Benson
Emari Demercado

The Cardinals should be able to save a roster spot at RB because they can keep Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas on the practice squad and move them up if and when needed. Neither Carter nor Dallas will be claimed off waivers. Carter wasn’t claimed last year, and it would be difficult to imagine any team taking on the money remaining on year 2 of Dallas’ 3-year deal.

TE (3):

Trey McBride
Elijah Higgins
Tip Reiman

Cardinals should be able to keep Travis Vokolek and Josia Deguara or Oscar Cardenas on the practice squad.

WR (5):

Marvin Harrison Jr.
Michael Wilson
Greg Dortch
Simi Fehoko
Xavier Weaver

For a 12 and 13 heavy personnel offense, it makes no sense for the Cardinals to keep more than 5 WRs. Simi Fehoko should be a standout slot WR in pre-season and is an ideal WR4 because of his excellent STs. ability. Xavier Weaver brings more speed and upside than Zay Jones and he could contribute as a return man option on STs.

2024 6th round pick Tejhuan Palmer may a year away from winning a roster spot. Same for Bryson Green. Trishton Jackson, Quez Watkins may make things interesting in pre-season.

OL (9):

Paris Johnson Jr.
Evan Brown
Hjalte Froholdt
Isaiah Adams
Jonah Williams
Kelvin Beachum
Jon Gaines II
Hayden Conner
Christian Jones

Expect to see Justin Frye keep and develop 4 OL on the PS, which most likely will include T Josh Fryar, T Valentin Senn, G Jake Curhan and C Sincere Haynesworth.

DI (6):

Calais Campbell
Dalvin Tomlinson
Walter Nolen
Darius Robinson
Dante Stills
Justin Jones

Bilal Nichols and L.J. Collier won’t get claimed and thus, one or both of them could be kept on the PS, along with Ben Stille and NT Elijah Simmons.

ED (5):

Josh Sweat
Zaven Collins
Baron Browning
Jordan Burch
Xavier Thomas

It could well be that Monti will keep B.J. Ojulari on the IR until he is 100% back to his normal playing speed. Monti has the depth to be able to be patient with Ojulari.

ILB (4):

Mack Wilson Sr.
Akeem Davis-Gaither
Cody Simon
Owen Pappoe

Mykal Walker, at his salary, should pass through waivers and be able to come up from the PS when needed, especially for STs.

CB (6):

Garrett Williams
Max Melton
Elijah Jones
Starling Thomas V
Will Johnson
Denzel Burke

Sean Murphy-Bunting does not fit Nick Rallis’ defense as well as the younger players do. Monti might be able to get a late Day 3 draft pick for Kei’Trel Clark or swap him for a player. If not, he is a young talent who might get claimed. Darren Clark Jaylon Jones and Jaden Davis should be key members of the PS. As may Ekow Boye-Doe.

S (5):

Budda Baker
Jalen Thompson
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson
Joey Blount
Kitan Crawford

It looks like Monti wants to hold on to Jalen Thompson. Although, a team with a sudden need at SS could make trade offers at some point. Jammie Robinson to the PS.

ST (3):

Aaron Brewer
Blake Gillikin
Chad Ryland

Easiest position group to pick!

Most difficult? CBs.

Thought of the Day:

Light up The Dortch:

Make this guy the full-time kickoff and punt returner and turn him onto one of the most electric slot WRs in the NFL.

“C’mon man!”

ROTB Poll:

Poll
How many of Mitch’s 53 do you agree with?

How did you vote and why?