The idea for every NFL team is to draft players who eventually grow into important cogs for the team if not foundational pieces. Often that means a start on special teams, a spot that a lot of college stars do not have to deal with until they become pros.
It can lead to pushback once in a while, or uncomfortability in the least. So special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers likes to give tangible examples of a success story.
Recently in a punt meeting at camp, Rodgers pulled up a 2023 play of Trey McBride to show everyone. Now McBride is a Pro Bowl tight end. Then he was left guard on the punt cover.
"They held the hell out of him and he got off the block and ended up making the tackle," Rodgers said. "That resonates."
The Cardinals and Rodgers need some new "special" pieces. Gone are Zach Pascal, Krys Barnes, Jesse Luketa, Dennis Gardeck and Victor Dimukeje, all of whom were significant special teams fixtures. As the teams get into preseason games -- and in a year where the kickoff rules have again been tweaked to generate even more returns -- finding out who can man those units will be crucial.
There was a reason the Cardinals took safety Kitan Crawford in the seventh round of the draft. A four-year player at Texas who transferred for a fifth season at Nevada in order to get more defensive playing time, Crawford built his football resume on his special teams excellence.
Rodgers, who has relationships at Texas, was well aware of Crawford before he even got to Reno. Crawford, whom defensive coordinator Nick Rallis has named as someone who has done well in his defensive work, is in a crowded safeties room. His special teams acumen might give him a roster edge.
"Not necessarily," Crawford said. "I know I have to earn my spot regardless. Every day I'm just coming to work."
Rodgers likes Crawford's experience, but he also notes that "ball is ball" and players can adapt to special teams. The coaches try to make comparisons on certain plays of special teams to what a player might do on a a block or tackle to help the transition.
Crawford considers why he has excelled on special teams. His answer is simple.
"Mentally I just adopted the mindset, it's just one play," he said, "so why not go 100 percent?"
-- The Cardinals brought veteran guard Will Hernandez in for a visit this week, but he has yet to sign coming off his ACL tear. Even if he does sign, it will take time for him to jump back into the fray. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing noted how hard Hernandez worked as the starting guard the last few seasons. In the meantime, the Cardinals want to see the current backup guards in game action to get a feel where they are with their depth.
"That's a big part of the preseason, see these guys get live reps, see a different scheme in different situations in a game, and see how they react," Petzing said.
-- Wide receiver Michael Wilson (concussion) was back at practice but limited while wearing the yellow non-contact jersey.
-- Backup center Jon Gaines II (thumb) didn't practice but he was out there with the unit in street clothes. He has a cast on his right hand.
-- In their last padded practice out at the stadium, the Cardinals were working on deep balls on Wednesday. There were several impressive catches on deep throws during one-on-one work, one in particular by rookie Bryson Green, another from Marvin Harrison Jr.
-- Harrison also made a contested catch on the sideline against Kei'Trel Clark that called for and got strong hands from the second-year receiver. It was the kind of catch that the Cardinals are hoping Harrison can make more of this season.
-- Walter Nolen III looks bummed out (and if you saw his expression, that's the best way to describe it) that he can't be out there. The rookie defensive tackle's wait continues while his calf heals.
-- The Cardinals have one last practice at camp (closed to the public) and then return to Tempe. They leave for their joint practice in Denver Aug. 13.
