GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals began its training camp this week, with plenty of position battles up for grab next season. The 10 open practices will help set the stage for an Arizona team striving to make the postseason for the first time since 2021. To achieve that goal, these three players will be the X-factors for the team to help elevate the roster’s ceiling heading into 2025.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!1. Mack Wilson Jr.
Jul 27, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Mack Wilson Jr. (3) speaks to the media after training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The lost of linebacker Kyzir White will be costly for the Cardinals, losing their green dot and team captain. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis will have his choice in White’s success, with Wilson being the likely selection. Wilson started 16 games for Arizona last season, recording 75 tackles and three sacks. The 27-year-old knows the system and will be trusted to be the Cardinals player caller. Training camp will be Wilson’s first opportunity to play with that responsibility and sees how he handles the pressure.
2. Darius Robinson
Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darius Robinson (56) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The former 2024 first-round pick Robinson seems to be the odd man out, being behind Justin Jones on the depth chart. He’ll have plenty of opportunities to earn the starting job, but it’ll be an uphill battle. Robinson appeared in only six games in his rookie season and dealt with a calf strain that hindered his play. The former SEC defensive player of the year will need to prove his injury history isn’t what defines his career.
3. Michael Wilson
Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) carries the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The offensive weapons is headlined by Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride and James Conner, with Wilson being the first piece outside of the Big 3. The third-year Cardinals wide receiver had 500+ receiving yards in his first two seasons, with seven touchdowns overall. However, the 6’2 wideout will need to have bigger production if Arizona’s offense wants to on par with other contenders in the NFC.
McBride and Harrison will be reliable short and medium targets for quarterback Kyler Murray, while Wilson should get his bread and butter as a deep threat. In his rookie season, the 25-year-old had 14.9 yards per reception and it fell to 11.7 last year. Wilson’s size and and athleticism should make that aspect of his game come natural in his third season.
Former Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu retires from NFL at 33
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
