The Arizona Cardinals will be taking on the Las Vegas Raiders in Sin City in Week 2. The Cards lost their Season Opener after falling to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Want to wager on the Cardinals in Week 2? Get a 2nd chance Bonus Bet worth up to $500 with BetRivers – Use code SHARPRIV
What does the Arizona Cardinals roster look like heading into the Raiders Matchup? Let’s take a look at the Cardinals’ depth chart.
Arizona Cardinals Offensive Depth Chart
Quarterback
No question marks here, especially following Kyler Murray’s massive extension that ties him to the franchise through the 2028 season. Behind him, Trace McSorley was brought up from the practice squad after QB Colt McCoy was placed on IR.
Kyler Murray | Trace McSorley
Running Back
James Conner will lead Arizona’s backfield for the second year after tying for the second-most rushing touchdowns in the league in 2021.
With Chase Edmonds heading to the Miami Dolphins, Eno Benjamin is getting the first crack to fill his role. Benjamin is familiar with Arizona, playing at ASU. Behind him is former Kansas City Chief Darrel Williams, 2020 undrafted free agent Jonathan Ward, and 2022 6th-rounder Keontay Ingram.
James Conner | Eno Benjamin | Darrel Williams | Jonathan Ward | Keontay Ingram
Wide Receiver
It’s been an offseason of additions and subtractions for the Cards’ wide receiver depth chart. It started off with seeing Christian Kirk leave in free agency. Arizona then made a big splash on the first night of the 2022 NFL Draft as they traded for Marquise Brown, Murray’s former college teammate. About a month later, lead wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was hit with a six-game PED suspension.
Brown will be leaned on heavily in a thin room, especially during Hopkins’ absence.
Marquise Brown | Rondale Moore | A.J. Green | Andy Isabella | Greg Dortch | Andre Baccellia
Offensive Line
Cardinals’ fans had a collective sigh of relief when the team found out Rodney Hudson would be returning for the 2022 season after some initial uncertainty. Newcomer Will Hernandez slides into the starting lineup this season. A late off-season trade to acquire former Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Cody Ford gives this line a bit of wiggle room. Ford hasn’t lived up to his high second-round draft capital in 2018, but he has 29 starts across left tackle, left guard, and right guard.
Starting five: D.J. Humphries | Justin Pugh | Rodney Hudson | Will Hernandez | Kelvin Beachum
Next up: Josh Jones, Cody Ford, Sean Harlow, Max Garcia, Lecitus Smith
Tight End
This will be an interesting group to watch. Zach Ertz has been dealing with a calf strain from the preseason. Trey McBride, the Cardinals’ first pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, missed some time early on in the offseason dealing with back spasms. Maxx Williams is back with the team after tearing his ACL during the Week 5 game last year. And Stephen Anderson rounds it out as a bit of a journeyman – Arizona is the third team he’s been on as he’s entering the sixth year of his career.
Zach Ertz | Maxx Williams | Trey McBride | Stephen Anderson
Arizona Cardinals’ Defensive Depth Chart
Defensive Line
It’s no secret that J.J. Watt holds the key to how good this group will be. Beyond Watt, it’s a young group with a total of 35 starts.
J.J. Watt | Zach Allen | Rashard Lawrence | Leki Fotu | Michael Dogbe | Jonathan Ledbetter
Inside Linebackers
Speaking of young groups, Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons lead the way for the inside linebackers. After only playing 20% of the Cardinals’ defensive snaps, the team (and fans) are hoping to see more of Collins in 2022. Simmons will play the hybrid linebacker/safety role, meaning veteran Nick Vigil should see meaningful snaps.
Zaven Collins | Isaiah Simmons | Nick Vigil | Ezekiel Turner | Tanner Vallejo | Ben Niemann
Outside Linebackers
Markus Golden returns for his age 32 season after posting 11 sacks in 2021. Outside of Golden, it’s an extremely unproven group. Dennis Gardeck, former special teamer, will be expected to play a key role.
Markus Golden | Dennis Gardeck | Devon Kennard | Victor Dimukeje | Cameron Thomas | Myjai Sanders
Cornerbacks
Another defensive position group, another young room that needs to prove itself. The corners took a hit with Antonio Hamilton set to miss four games, who was in line for the second corner spot. The team added Raiders’ former second-round pick, Trayvon Mullen, as well.
Byron Murphy | Marco Wilson | Trayvon Mullen | Christian Matthew |
Safeties
Finally, a group the Cards can feel great about.
Budda Baker | Jalen Thompson | Deionte Thompson
Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire
About the Author
