Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jess Root

6 players the Cardinals need to take a big step up in 2023

The Arizona Cardinals open training camp this week and the quest to make the final 53-man roster begins. Looking ahead to the regular season, several players are being counted on to take a big step forward in 2023.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

WR Rondale Moore

(Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)

Marquise Brown showed last season he could be a true No. 1 wideout. But with DeAndre Hopkins no longer on the roster, the Cardinals will need a second pass catcher to be reliable and productive. Moore needs to be that guy.

TE Trey McBride

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The tight end position is expected to be an important part of the offense this season.

Zach Ertz could be ready to go at the start of the season coming back from his torn ACL, but the Cardinals will need McBride to be what they thought he could be.

He started producing after Ertz got hurt. Both on the field being productive in the passing game will go a long way.

C Hjalte Froholdt

(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

As of now, Froholdt and his four NFL starts at center are the Cardinals’ best option at center.

The Cardinals have either proven veterans at other spots on the offensive line or elite young talent. Underwhelming play at center could undo all of it.

Froholdt needs to be much better than he has previously been.

LB Cam Thomas

Thomas showed promise with pass-rushing production in limited playing time as a rookie. He is slated to be a starting edge defender and he needs to be the Cardinals’ best pass rushing option off the edge.

LB Zaven Collins

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Collins has moved positions and will be playing off the edge. The former first-round pick is being counted on for both leadership and production.

CB Marco Wilson

Joe Rondone-Arizona Republic

The Cardinals have no clear No. 1 cornerback entering this season. Wilson has the athletic upside to be that. The Cardinals need him to step up and be the top guy.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.