Offensive coordinator Mike McCoy was like a kid on his birthday this past April, watching the gifts stack up.
The Cardinals chose six players in the 2018 NFL draft, and five of them were on the offensive side of the ball.
"It was just one of those years where as an offensive staff you're going, 'OK, keep going, let's go, one more,'" McCoy said. "We want as many players as we can get."
Each of the Cardinals' first four picks – quarterback Josh Rosen, wide receiver Christian Kirk, center Mason Cole and running back Chase Edmonds – were on offense, and Sunday against the Seahawks, all should have significant roles.
Cole is the starting center, Rosen the starting quarterback, Kirk a starting receiver and Edmonds the change-of-pace back behind David Johnson. The draft class became close-knit this offseason while living at the same hotel, and they spoke often of these dreams.
"I remember those conversations like it was yesterday, just optimistic conversations," Edmonds said. "'How's it going to be being a rookie in the NFL? What are our roles going to be?' Because all of us were kind of brought in with different situations."
Cole was expected to be a backup, but a season-ending injury to veteran A.Q. Shipley in training camp made him a starter. Strong preseasons elevated Kirk and Edmonds to significant roles from the outset, and Rosen will make his first career start on Sunday.
"I think it's kind of where sports in general are heading," Rosen said. "I think a lot of younger guys are playing at the high school level, the college level and the NFL. We're taking our opportunity and running as far and as fast as we can with it."
All four could be on the field together at times, and Kirk said it's crucial the rookies grow up quickly.
"We have to come in and play to a standard that has been set," Kirk said. "Even if there was an eight-year veteran at our position, we have to perform to that level."
BACKUP QUARTERBACK CHOICE TO COME SATURDAY
Wilks declined to say if his backup quarterback against the Seahawks will be Sam Bradford or Mike Glennon. Wilks said he will decide on Saturday evening, the usual time he picks inactives.
"I'll give those guys that information right after the team meeting," Wilks said.
According to OverTheCap.com, Bradford receives a $312,500 roster bonus for each game he is active. General Manager Steve Keim told 98.7 FM, Arizona's Sports Station on Friday that "we won't get consumed with the money part of it."
NO DECISION ON NO. 2 CORNERBACK
Wilks did not say who would start at cornerback opposite Patrick Peterson. Jamar Taylor started the first three games but was replaced by Bené Benwikere in the fourth quarter of last week's contest against the Bears. Wilks said the two would battle for the role in practice this week.
"(The) guys are still competing," Wilks said. "I thought they had a great week. I thought Bené did some great things. J.T. probably had one of the best practices he had all week (on Friday)."
Taylor said he played "horrible" in Week 2 against the Rams but thought he bounced back against Chicago.
"Game 2 I was just trying to do too much, thinking way too much," Taylor said. "I wasn't really just playing ball. I changed my routine, changed my game plan. That was on me. I was tripping."
ANDRE SMITH, COREY PETERS QUESTIONABLE
Right tackle Andre Smith (elbow) and defensive tackle Corey Peters (elbow) practiced in a limited capacity and are questionable to play Sunday. Defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (knee), wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (hamstring) and defensive tackle Olsen Pierre (toe) are also listed as questionable but seem likely to play.
For the Seahawks, linebacker K.J. Wright (knee) and defensive end Rasheem Green (ankle) are out. Guard Ethan Pocic (ankle) and running back C.J. Prosise (abdomen) are doubtful. Wide receiver Doug Baldwin (knee), running back Chris Carson (hip), safety Delano Hill (hamstring) and defensive end Dion Jordan (hip) are listed as questionable. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is confident Baldwin will play.
Images of key players for this week's opponent, the Seattle Seahawks
Quarterback Russell Wilson
Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas, left, intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys tight end Blake Jarwin (obscured) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Seattle. It was Thomas' second interception of the game. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) passes the ball during warmups before an NFL football preseason game against the Oakland Raiders, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
In this Aug. 9, 2018, photo, Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) tackles Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin (33) during the first half of an NFL football preseason game in Seattle. For 2018, Seahawks coaches hope to stop the run with a defense that will be focused even more on Wagner and K.J. Wright. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Seattle Seahawks center Ethan Pocic (77) blocks Indianapolis Colts defensive end Margus Hunt (92) during the first half of an NFL football preseason game, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, right, scores a rushing touchdown past Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (99) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Duane Brown stretches during NFL football training camp, Sunday, July 29, 2018, in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Seattle Seahawks center Justin Britt carries the ball during warmups before an NFL football preseason game against the Oakland Raiders, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks offensive guard D.J. Fluker stretches before an NFL football preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) before the game against the Chicago Bears in an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (26) intercepts a pass intended for Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson (12) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) waves to the Dallas Cowboys sideline towards the end of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Seattle Seahawks kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) kicks a field goal from the hold of Michael Dickson during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is sacked by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Barkevious Mingo, right, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks punter Michael Dickson kicks against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football preseason game, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks running back Chris Carson runs against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) lines up against Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tre Flowers (37) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark (55) motions toward a penalty against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) moves against Seattle Seahawks offensive guard Germain Ifedi (65) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive back Bradley McDougald (30) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Chicago Bears defensive back Adrian Amos (38) tackles Seattle Seahawks tight end Will Dissly (88) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)
