2025 Arizona Cardinals off season thread.

[Adrian]

Arizona Cardinals Training Camp Preview: Quarterbacks

After a busy offseason, training camp is just weeks away, meaning that Arizona Cardinals football is almost upon us. Let's dive into what each position will loo

www.si.com

 

[Adrian]

2025 Arizona Cardinals training camp roster preview: S Jammie Robinson

We will preview every player on the Cardinals roster leading up to training camp. This is about S Jammie Robinson.

sports.yahoo.com

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Not in an article. It came from a chat group that included guys I value. Johnson was said to be having trouble; losing contact coming out of breaks. Also there was concern on fly patterns. They felt it was possible he wouldn’t be the starting CB on every play, but be used more situationally. Being here in FL, I admit I don’t have first hand knowledge, but I only post stuff I think is well founded. I know most reports have trended the other way.

Appreciate the intel. Disappointing. I think we kind of expected the fly pattern news as it was rumored he didn’t have top flight straight line speed, but the difficulty keeping contact outta breaks is concerning.

 

[Harry]

Appreciate the intel. Disappointing. I think we kind of expected the fly pattern news as it was rumored he didn’t have top flight straight line speed, but the difficulty keeping contact outta breaks is concerning.

Don’t get too worried. I like him a great deal. I think he will eventually be transformative for the CB group. The transition at CB from college to the NFL is one of the hardest. If the fans are patient when he gets beat (and he will) I think they will be rewarded with a fine CB who plays outstandingly for many years. I just don’t want expectations to ignore history at CB.

 

[kerouac9]

The transition at CB from college to the NFL is one of the hardest.

Is it tho? It seems like we say this about every Cardinals prospect who doesn't see the field quickly.

OTOH, Deonte Banks has started 29 games in two seasons for the Giants while recording 2 INTs and 23 pass breakups. Garrett Williams made an INT in his first game back after an injury and no camp.

It's obviously among the 10 hardest transitions to make, and no one is expecting him to be Sauce Gartner or Patrick Surtain II right away (Surtain had 4 INTs and 14 pass breakups in his rookie season).

But cornerback is not quarterback. Good prospects make immediate splashes at the position all the time.

 

[Harry]

Is it tho? It seems like we say this about every Cardinals prospect who doesn't see the field quickly.

OTOH, Deonte Banks has started 29 games in two seasons for the Giants while recording 2 INTs and 23 pass breakups. Garrett Williams made an INT in his first game back after an injury and no camp.

It's obviously among the 10 hardest transitions to make, and no one is expecting him to be Sauce Gartner or Patrick Surtain II right away (Surtain had 4 INTs and 14 pass breakups in his rookie season).

But cornerback is not quarterback. Good prospects make immediate splashes at the position all the time.

Solid article on some of the main issues.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2085395-why-defensive-backs-have-a-tough-college-to-nfl-transition

 

[kerouac9]

Solid article on some of the main issues.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2085395-why-defensive-backs-have-a-tough-college-to-nfl-transition

Bruh that article is more than a decade old and don’t name any examples. Even then it doesn’t make the argument that the transition is more difficult than other positions; it just says it’s hard.

 

[Harry]

Is it tho? It seems like we say this about every Cardinals prospect who doesn't see the field quickly.

OTOH, Deonte Banks has started 29 games in two seasons for the Giants while recording 2 INTs and 23 pass breakups. Garrett Williams made an INT in his first game back after an injury and no camp.

It's obviously among the 10 hardest transitions to make, and no one is expecting him to be Sauce Gartner or Patrick Surtain II right away (Surtain had 4 INTs and 14 pass breakups in his rookie season).

But cornerback is not quarterback. Good prospects make immediate splashes at the position all the time.

And the list of round 1 failures is pretty long.

 

[kerouac9]

And the list of round 1 failures is pretty long.

As there are at every position. But a round 1 failure is not "harder transition to the NFL" it's just bust rate. Kaiir Elam isn't struggling to make the transition to the NFL with the Bills -- in fact, his first season was his best one. He just sucks.

I'm sure there are players who have gradually developed into good starters at corner (Byron Murphy comes to mind), but I don't think it's more prevalent than any other position.

I'd argue that in today's NFL corner is one of the easier positions to transition, and ILB is one of the more difficult. Part of the reason is that summer football means that corners have far more reps than their counterparts. On the offensive side of the ball, it's clear there's been a sea change at WR and QB (7 on 7 is another contributor), while the plug-and-play offensive lineman is nearly extinct. Willie Roaf was a first-team All Pro in his second season in the NFL.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Not in an article. It came from a chat group that included guys I value. Johnson was said to be having trouble; losing contact coming out of breaks. Also there was concern on fly patterns. They felt it was possible he wouldn’t be the starting CB on every play, but be used more situationally. Being here in FL, I admit I don’t have first hand knowledge, but I only post stuff I think is well founded. I know most reports have trended the other way.

I never understood why so many here seemed to pencil him as not just a starter but an impact maker right away. CB with mediocre speed are at a major disadvantage in this league.

 

[kerouac9]

I never understood why so many here seemed to pencil him as not just a starter but an impact maker right away. CB with mediocre speed are at a major disadvantage in this league.

Especially when we’re heavily invested in the position already. Even with Sean Murphy-Bunting owning himself, Melton, Elijah Jones, Garrett Williams, abd ST5 aren’t just going to stand down.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Plus his contract situation can't help. I expect him to be a good player, but not right away. I think he gets eased into the lineup throughout the year.

 

[kerouac9]

Plus his contract situation can't help. I expect him to be a good player, but not right away. I think he gets eased into the lineup throughout the year.

Yeah. The Calvisi hype train is already out of the station, but my expectations were always tempered. Coach Gannon doesn’t really like playing rookies early.

 

[BACH]

Bruh that article is more than a decade old and don’t name any examples. Even then it doesn’t make the argument that the transition is more difficult than other positions; it just says it’s hard.

Bruh.

How about you show an article proving your point instead?

Harry is right. Common knowledge that CB is one of the hardest positions to adjust to from college to NFL due to the increased use of zone schemes and far more complex schemes.

We are one of the teams using zone schemes to most = Steeper learning curve.

IMO it’s the hardest position on defense.

 

[BACH]

I never understood why so many here seemed to pencil him as not just a starter but an impact maker right away. CB with mediocre speed are at a major disadvantage in this league.

Agree. With a room as deep as the CB room he will have to be outstanding for that to happen.

And the answer to your question is IMO recency bias. DeJean did it, so Johnson will do - forgetting the fact that DeJean plays slot where the coverage is typically man

 

[kerouac9]

Bruh.

How about you show an article proving your point instead?

Harry is right. Common knowledge that CB is one of the hardest positions to adjust to from college to NFL due to the increased use of zone schemes and far more complex schemes.

We are one of the teams using zone schemes to most = Steeper learning curve.

IMO it’s the hardest position on defense.

Cites no evidence; demands it from others. Classic. Good work.

I cited recent evidence. The hardest position is probably tight end. The hardest defensive position is probably off-ball linebacker, based on the proportion of highly ranked/drafted players that underperform their draft positions but are still playable.

 

[BACH]

Cites no evidence; demands it from others. Classic. Good work.

I cited recent evidence. The hardest position is probably tight end. The hardest defensive position is probably off-ball linebacker, based on the proportion of highly ranked/drafted players that underperform their draft positions but are still playable.

You provided ZERO evidence. Historic or recent. Zero!

But nice try. Your opinion is not evidence.

 

[kerouac9]

You provided ZERO evidence. Historic or recent. Zero!

But nice try. Your opinion is not evidence.

Bruh I named bunch of players, including Garrett Williams. Gimme a break.

 

[unseenaz]

I never understood why so many here seemed to pencil him as not just a starter but an impact maker right away. CB with mediocre speed are at a major disadvantage in this league.

Because of his draft status.

 

[BACH]

Bruh I named bunch of players, including Garrett Williams. Gimme a break.

Opinions are not evidence.

If you want a discussion on opinions, please.

In My Opinion and from what I have read/heard the biggest hurdle to adapt to the NFL is where your natural football IQ or athletic skills are not directly transferable to the NFL level.

Due to the complexity of NFL schemes, on offense that is QB and TE and to a lesser extent O-Line.

On defense, that is outside CBs in zone schemes and off-ball LBs asked to cover.

OL and interior DL also has a hard learning curb but that is IMO related both to scheme but even more just lack of pure strength.

RB, S and run-stopping ILB have the easiest transferable skillset. It’s basicly applying your football IQ positions and then only a question if your athletic skillset can match NFL level.

That is my OPINION.

 

[BritCard]

Is it tho? It seems like we say this about every Cardinals prospect who doesn't see the field quickly.

OTOH, Deonte Banks has started 29 games in two seasons for the Giants while recording 2 INTs and 23 pass breakups. Garrett Williams made an INT in his first game back after an injury and no camp.

It's obviously among the 10 hardest transitions to make, and no one is expecting him to be Sauce Gartner or Patrick Surtain II right away (Surtain had 4 INTs and 14 pass breakups in his rookie season).

But cornerback is not quarterback. Good prospects make immediate splashes at the position all the time.

Deonte Banks has sucked for the Giants. This supports Harry's point. Williams was in the league a while before he played so had a long time to adjust.

But like every position, it really depends on the individual. Some transition faster than others.

 

[schutd]

Not falling for this...

I mean, I dont get it either.

 

[Harry]

Cites no evidence; demands it from others. Classic. Good work.

I cited recent evidence. The hardest position is probably tight end. The hardest defensive position is probably off-ball linebacker, based on the proportion of highly ranked/drafted players that underperform their draft positions but are still playable.

Thought I’d let Google AI take a stab,


“Difficulties transitioning from college cornerback to the NFL
The transition from college cornerback (CB) to the NFL is notoriously challenging, and many factors contribute to this difficulty.
1. Increased speed and athleticism of receivers and quarterbacks

• NFL receivers are faster, stronger, and more skilled at running routes than their college counterparts.
• NFL quarterbacks are more accurate and make quicker reads, forcing cornerbacks to react faster and make precise movements.

2. Complexity of defensive schemes and playbooks

• NFL defenses utilize more intricate schemes, demanding a higher level of understanding and communication from cornerbacks.
• Rookie cornerbacks must quickly learn and master a vast playbook, including different coverage responsibilities, run fits, and blitz assignments.

3. Demanding nature of man-to-man coverage

• NFL teams frequently employ man-to-man coverage, leaving cornerbacks isolated on an island against elite receivers with little help.
• This places immense pressure on cornerbacks to consistently win one-on-one matchups and avoid penalties that can cost their team points.

4. Mental and physical toughness

• The cornerback position is mentally and physically taxing, requiring exceptional confidence, resilience, and a short memory to bounce back from mistakes.
• Cornerbacks are subjected to constant pressure and scrutiny, and they must maintain a high level of performance despite injuries and fatigue.

5. Learning curve and adaptation period

• It typically takes rookie cornerbacks time to adjust to the speed, physicality, and mental demands of the NFL game, according to Reddit.
• Some rookie cornerbacks may struggle initially, but with dedication, film study, and proper coaching, they can develop into successful NFL players.

6. Challenges in evaluating and scouting cornerbacks

• Evaluating cornerbacks is challenging as their performance can fluctuate year to year, even for elite players.
• While physical traits like speed, agility, and size are important, intangibles such as instincts, anticipation, and ball skills play a crucial role in a cornerback's success in the NFL, according to the Senior Bowl.

In conclusion, the combination of faster and more skilled opponents, complex defensive schemes, and the demanding nature of the position make the transition from college to the NFL especially difficult for cornerbacks. While some players find immediate success, others require time to adapt and refine their skills to become effective NFL performers.“

 

[CFLredzoned]

FWIW I've heard Cardinal players talk about how their coverage scheme is one of the more complicated to learn. I think there's a reason they target CBs that are smarter than the norm. Just hearing the interviews with Garrett Williams and Elijah Jones, they project as pretty intellectual dudes. I think that's no accident. I think that's Gannon's type. Just in the last couple weeks I heard a player talk about how smart Will Johnson is. So that sucks to hear about him struggling with it.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Agreed. The potential trade assets which are more likely IMO

1 - Bilal Nichols - He had less impact last year in more games than Jones. Tomlinson was brought in. It is a position where the snaps can be less guaranteed. DL players are generally in demand around the league so it is more likely a team would throw the Cardinals a ham sandwich for him.

2 - Justin Jones - Similar to Nichols, but he only got 2.5 games last year so I expect the Cardinals to try to rediscover what they initially liked about him. There is so much youth around him it is difficult to see how he wouldn't open the season as a starter or primary backup. He has been a versatile player (prior to AZ) which offers value to AZ or another team.

3 - Elijah Higgins - When teams are dipping into the Darren Waller / Jonnu Smith pools, it highlights how thin some teams are at TE. He has a specifically limited role for AZ, and has shown a good ability in the passing game and a willingness to attempt to block. It's not likely, but I could see a team being desperate for a receiving TE and reaching out. Just a supply and demand situation.

Man, having to spend a ton of assets to immediately replace our major 2024 FA signings is not ideal, especially considering we could have used those assets to fill our weakness at WR/ILB/OL.