The Cardinals have all 91 guys on the roster. Veterans finally mesh with rookies starting this week. Don't forget I always mesh all rookies (questions) with veterans (questions) in the mailbag. Questions have been edited for length and clarity. Don't forget to send a question for a future mailbag with at least a first name and last initial.
From Jake M:
"I think we can acknowledge that had it not been for injury concerns that Will Johnson would've been a top 10 pick. And like all top 10 picks, would be expected to start immediately. So much like P2 many years ago who was drafted and immediately thrust into the lineup as CB1, my question is (if healthy) does Will Johnson immediately come in as the CB1 favorite? And maybe a more interesting question would be if not, why not? It's funny that at No. 7, he would be the no-brainer CB1. But at No. 47 hes a depth guy? Can you explain that?"
Making a lot of assumptions there, Jake. The big one is that Johnson would've been top 10; I frankly never saw that. I saw him available in the 13-22 range in most mocks. That's like saying Shedeur Sanders should be treated like a top 10 pick because people talked about him in that way, even though he fell to the fifth round. No one that I have seen -- and I certainly have not written or said -- that Johnson is a "depth guy." You'd hope he'd grab a starting role. But Max Melton didn't last year as a second-round pick. Gotta show it on the field first. We are all also assuming the drop was completely about injuries; that's fair to think but we just never know every team's thought process.
Players don't get dropped into the lineup automatically. If they do, you're doing it wrong (save for a QB, IMO.) I think Johnson will be given a shot at starting. He very may well earn one. I expect him to play some role right away.
From Chris Chambers:
"Marvin is looking BIG. Like big BIG. Is there:
- Any concern that the bulk will slow him down?
- Any concern the bulk can cause injuries, as we've occasionally seen in the past?
- Why did he bulk up so much? It's not like he was ever slight.
- What's he weighing in at?"
Marvin Harrison Jr. has bulked up some. Big BIG? No. You're thinking of one-time Cardinals wideout David Boston. (Google him!) He is still listed at 209, which is what he was listed at last season, so I don't know if there has been any pound change. If he just got more lean with muscle, the weight won't change. They don't get their annual measurements until minicamp. No there is no concern. The kid doesn't even turn 23 until August; guys are still filling out at that age. Do I think he added some muscle? Yes. Do I think he "bulked up?" No.
From Mark M:
"I just read an article, and it gave the power ratings for all 32 teams after the 2025 NFL Draft. Mind you, I thought we had a terrific draft; however, in the article, I had to scroll down for what seemed like forever before finding the Cardinals Power Ranking of 22. Give me a break. I feel like the Cardinals improved with the draft. I believe most of the weak areas were covered, and I see the Cardinals, bare minimum, making the playoffs this year. I would rate them much higher than 22. How about you. I know ... a redundant question for a Cardinals fan."
Why, I am shocked you would have an issue with that. To be frank, I had noticed that article and that the Cardinals actually dropped from 20th pre-draft to 22nd, and was surprised after adding Nolen and Johnson. That said ...
They are power rankings. I'm not sure how long you have followed, Mark -- here's hoping for decades -- but my default on power rankings is basically, meh. I get it, but this isn't college. I would love to go back and see the power rankings for the Cardinals at the end of the 2008 regular season. I guarantee you they were behind some non-playoff teams. And power rankings in May? I mean .... meh squared.
From Jonny Counts:
"There have been a number of rule changes on kickoffs for the past few years, and the most common reason I hear is player safety. Maybe my memory from 'the old days' isn't that good, but I don't recall special teams being much more dangerous than normal play. Do you know if special teams injuries have fallen with rule changes? Thanks!"
I do not have specific numbers, but yes, injuries on kickoffs have dropped significantly from the rule changes. It was inevitable given the lessening of high-speed collisions. Maybe it's because the players that play on special teams aren't superstars, but there were proportionally too many guys hurt, and more importantly, with head injuries.
From JD Lair:
"Hey Darren. Do you think the Cardinals will keep two QBs for the season again or hold on to both Brissett and Tune?"
I think that's TBD, but I'd still guess it'll be two. If Tune doesn't win QB2, I could see them trying to get him on the practice squad.
From James U:
"With all the talk about who's going to replace Kyzir at middle linebacker, I'm curious if Owen Pappoe is in the mix there? I know he's had to grow and improve during his first two seasons but he's always been good in coverage and physically/athletically he's the most gifted linebacker on the team. Hard to imagine he's not in consideration. If you don't get the sense that he is an option, why do you think that might be?"
It was probably unfair to me to not mention Pappoe, although we will see if he can take that kind of step three years in. There is no questioning Pappoe's athletic gifts. I do think, outside of Mack Wilson Sr., the playing time at inside linebacker is wide open.
From Dru Waiters:
"I won't bombard you with the 'what if we sign this guy or that guy' questions, but there is one guy specifically and even Wolf brought it up on the radio and that's Will Hernandez. Will was dominant pre-injury. I would say, if healthy, there is in fact nobody better for our RG position. If say he's not 100 percent healthy until October, why not sign him now, use a stopgap RG, and just plan on him stepping back in in October?"
At this point, as a free agent coming back from an ACL injury, it's possible Hernandez wouldn't even pass a physical at this point. Hernandez was playing well before his injury. It doesn't make much sense to sign a guy you *know* won't be ready until games into the regular season. If they get through camp and he is still unsigned and they feel like they need to make a move, I wouldn't rule out a Hernandez return. But at this point, it is unlikely.
From Scotty Allan:
"Hi Darren, I know it's not set in stone or anything, but could you find out when Arizona is due to host the NFL draft? Kudos to Michael Bidwill, who has ingratiated the team with the NFL by being a dependable secondary site and consistent Super Bowl host destination. I would just think we would be on the list for a draft?"
Arizona isn't "due" to host the draft. In reality, the cities that get the Super Bowl are unlikely to get the draft, because one of the reasons the NFL likes being able to make the draft on location is because it allows cities that are too cold to host Super Bowls to still have a big event. I'm not sure where you would host a draft in Arizona, and there is always the danger it'd be hot as hell.
From Sidney Sexson:
"Darren, do you know whether they have started interviewing for Wolf's job in the booth, and if so do you have any insight that you are allowed to let us fans know?"
They have, and that, truth be told, is all I can say. Replacing Wolf is tough -- there won't be anyone who will walk in with the same kind of vibe, since Wolf was one of a kind -- but it will be well thought out.
From Bob Kitsos:
"Thanks for your continued work on the mailbag. It's a great read. While it's not a sexy position, and you've touched on it to some degree in previous mailbags, what is our situation at the guard position, and are the coaches comfortable with our current candidates?"
Given that there are few practices so far, I think the coaches are fine with who they have. They have built out the roster fully. I'm not ruling out a veteran signing later, but perhaps not until camp. Whether it is Hernandez and his rehab or another vet who probably wants to wait out until he can get the money and/or spot he wants (and skip offseason work), there isn't incredible motivation to sign right now.
From Matt H:
"Hi Darren, Thanks for taking our questions -- you are way better than the Darren over at the Carolina Panthers website. Let me see if I can stump you with a question today. I'm looking at these large offseason rosters and am wondering about jersey numbers.
- Which NFL team has retired the most numbers?
- What's the max number of players a team can carry on its roster at any given point?
- What happens if a team has more players than available jersey numbers?
Maybe number 3 has never happened before in the league, but it's interesting to consider what might be done! Maybe jersey numbers go higher than 99? Thank you."
If you are going to diss Darin you at least have to spell his name correctly, although I had it over him as soon as I attended college at the real ASU. As for your questions:
- The Bears have 14 numbers retired. The Giants have 13.
- Teams can have 91 (Offseason rosters are at 90 and if you add an international player who can be exempted, that's 91. The Cardinals are currently at 91.) In the regular season, they have 53, plus 16 (or 17 with the international exemption) on the practice squad. The guys who go on IR usually don't lose their numbers either.
- Teams can double up numbers in the offseason, and by the time we get to the regular season, if two guys with the same number make the team you just swap one with one that just was opened because of cuts. For instance, rookie WR Bryson Green and CB Darren Hall are each 30 while RB Bam Knight and CB Ekow Boye-Doe are each 35 right now.
From Stephen G:
"I am a little concerned about the focus of the team. Surely they should be readying for OTAs and rookie camp etc and instead all I am seeing are reports of the Cardinals in some meeting in Rome and they seem to be on some sort religiously oriented goals! I have no doubt that they are focused on Sundays but like this?"
That sound you heard was a sigh of relief. I had been worried there would be no Pope-related jokes for this week's mailbag, but thank God you are just in under the wire.
