WHO WILL SLIDE IN NEXT TO NEW LEFT TACKLE PARIS JOHNSON JR.?
The headline of the offensive line is Johnson’s switch from the right to left side, and it stands to follow what Jonah Williams will look like as the new right tackle. But it was left guard that ultimately was the spot too often in flux last season and finding who that person will be is crucial. Free-agent Evan Brown has earned raves from multiple teammates (including Johnson) and rookie Isaiah Adams, a third-round pick, was drafted to potentially be that guy. This is the ultimate training camp question: the job will be decided over the next month, whether it is Brown or Adams or a number of other vets on the roster.
WHAT CORNERBACKS WILL GET PLAYING TIME?
Sean Murphy-Bunting is going to play. You don’t sign a free agent without knowing that, at least right away. But there are a lot of options for DC Nick Rallis. Does it seem possible that second-round pick Max Melton gets into the lineup sooner rather than later? Yes. And the Cards love 2023 third-round pick Garrett Williams too. But they also spent a third-rounder on Elijah Jones this season, and Kei’Trel Clark and Starling Thomas V each started multiple games as rookies and would like to hang on to defensive snaps. There will be no more intense – and open – battle at a position than this one.
DOES DARIUS ROBINSON EARN A STARTING ROLE?
The hype around Marvin Harrison Jr. is intense and warranted, but Darius Robinson is also a first-round pick and if he can create an interior pass rush every team needs in the NFL these days, he too will make a significant impact. Whether he starts or not may be moot; there is no question Robinson will play plenty. But where he fits with a line that has two important free-agent signings (Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols), a 2023 draft pick who impressed (Dante Stills), and multiple vets vying for time (Roy Lopez, Khyiris Tonga, L.J. Collier) will be a camp analysis.
CAN THE RUNNING BACK ROOM TAKE THE RUSHING GAME TO ANOTHER LEVEL?
James Conner had the first 1,000-yard season of his career despite missing four games and averaged five yards a carry. He is a crucial piece to the offense and an emotional leader. But the Cardinals have more. They took home-run hitter Trey Benson in the third round. They liked what they saw from Michael Carter after getting him off waivers last season. That doesn’t include what Emari Demercado or DeeJay Dallas might do. OC Drew Petzing’s offense showed it could run the ball well already. Throwing Benson in could create an argument for the best in the league.
