The Arizona Cardinals return to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, for training camp. Here are my observations from Cardinals camp!
Unleash the Masserati
Marvin Harrison Jr. has been a popular player this offseason due to his potential leap in year two. The former 4th overall pick out of Ohio State has gotten physically stronger, bulking up to 220 pounds. The added muscle is expected to help him in contested catch situations and improve his physicality against defensive backs.
Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort spoke glowingly of Harrison Jr.’s work ethic on NFL Spotlight with Ari Meirov. “Marvin has exceeded our expectations about what he is in terms of work ethic, preparation, and how seriously he takes his job. I don’t know if there was a day this offseason that Marvin wasn’t in our building, training, just working, just getting better.”
Hard work pays off. Marvin Harrison Jr. has been the star of the Cardinals camp. The wide receiver looks more explosive and seems to make a highlight reel catch every practice.
Harrison Jr. had a productive rookie season, recording 62 receptions, 885 receiving yards, and a team-leading eight receiving touchdowns. However, Marvin understands why the Cardinals drafted him. “They brought me here to win games,” Harrison Jr. told Wolf & Luke on Arizona Sports. “I want to win the division. I want to win the NFC West and get a home playoff game. That’d be great, and then go on, make a run in the playoffs.”
Cardinals’ Revamped Defensive Line is Real
The Arizona Cardinals had their first padded practice on July 28th, and the defensive line wasted no time making an impact. On the very first play of 11-on-11s, the pass rush came quickly, resulting in QB Kyler Murray forcing the ball over the middle and throwing an interception to LB Mack Wilson Sr.
After the first day in pads, Kyler Murray was impressed with the defensive line.
“They made it a point this offseason to go upgrade the D-Line, and they definitely did that,” Murray said. “I feel like a plethora of dudes over there that can make plays, and I think that’s what you want. Kind of have a platoon system, four guys come in, four guys go out. It should be dangerous.”
The Arizona Cardinals invested over $110 million into the defense line this offseason. The team also re-signed pass rusher Baron Browning (two-year, $15M) and defensive tackle L.J. Collier (one-year, $3M).
Free agent signings Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Calais Campbell are all listed as starters on the Cardinals’ unofficial depth chart ahead of their first preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Cardinals’ weakest unit last season has now turned into a strength in 2025.
Year 1.5
Darius Robinson has been another player who has flashed at Cardinals camp. The former first-round pick out of Missouri looks to be in great shape.
Calais Campbell has clearly taken Darius Robinson under his wing. The two are constantly talking with each other during defensive line drills. Post-practice, I have seen both of them work on their hand technique together on the sled.
“He’s definitely a guy I’m gonna pour into as much as possible,” Campbell said. “The sky is the limit for him. He can be as good as he wants to be.”
Offensive Line
The Arizona Cardinals have continued to roll out LT- Paris Johnson Jr., LG- Evan Brown, C- Hjalte Froholdt, RG-Isaiah Adams, RT- Jonah Williams as their first-team offensive line.
RG Isaiah Adams looks promising. The 2024 third-round pick had two solid days as soon as the pads came on. “Isaiah had a hell of a week,” Jonathan Gannon said. “He probably won the day (Tuesday, July 29th). Truthfully, in my mind, he was the all-star of the day. Just through team periods, through one-on-ones, through individuals. He played extremely well.”
Franchise left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. looks poised for a Pro Bowl season in his third year. Josh Sweat has been impressed with his “technique”. “You can tell he has been working,” Sweat said. “Strong, smart. He’s going to be even better for sure.”
Head Coach Jonathan Gannon believes Paris Johnson Jr.’s potential is out of this world.
“I’m not going to make power statements and throw things out there but I think he has a really high ceiling,” Gannon said. “I’m looking forward to seeing him work toward that every day, because it’s Mars.”
Zay My Name
The Arizona Cardinals re-signed WR Zay Jones to a one-year deal in March. Jones was suspended for the first five games of the 2024 season and only finished with six receptions and 84 receiving yards.
Marvin Harrison Jr. missed a few days of camp with “knee soreness,” and Zay has taken advantage of his extra reps with the first-team offense.”He’s playing well. He’s a multiple position guy. Big, fast, strong, really good ball skills. He can get open and catch it,” Gannon said. “I love Zay. I have always thought he was a really good player, and I am glad that now he is acclimated and on the same page as the quarterback.”
The 30-year-old wide receiver has looked more comfortable with quarterback Kyler Murray. Zay Jones’ routes have looked crisp during WR/CB 1v1 drills. I’ve watched him burn a few starting cornerbacks on this roster. Let’s see if he can carry this momentum into Week 1.
The Voice of an Angel
The breakout player of camp has been undrafted free agent rookie Elijah Simmons. The former Tennessee Volunteer has made a strong impression. Simmons has showcased his strength and quickness during OL/DL drills.
The 6-foot-1, 334-pound defensive lineman has a real shot to make the 53-man roster. He is a player I will have my eyes on during the preseason.
– Follow Dan Loya on X @DLoya_NFL
