The Arizona Cardinals will play their final preseason game on Friday, with several recent draft selections facing uncertain futures on the roster. Four players from the 2023 and 2024 draft classes are in precarious positions and expected to see significant playing time as the team makes final roster decisions.
Linebacker BJ Ojulari, a 2023 second-round pick, has struggled with injuries throughout his tenure, appearing in only partial seasons. He is competing with Eku Leota for a roster spot, with Leota emerging as the stronger candidate thanks to his special teams contributions. Similarly, inside linebacker Owen Pappoe, selected in the fifth round in 2023, is battling rookie Karson Sharar for the final rotation spot. While Pappoe has logged extensive special teams snaps over two seasons, Sharar offers both defensive upside and solid special teams play.
On the defensive backfield, cornerback Kei’Trel Clark, a 2023 sixth-round pick, sits deep in the secondary rotation despite making the last two rosters. He faces stiff competition from multiple candidates at the position. Fellow cornerback Elijah Jones, drafted in the third round in 2024, appears to be in an even more difficult situation. With several cornerbacks seemingly locked into roster spots, Jones must outperform other candidates vying for the final secondary spots.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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