The Arizona Cardinals have begun the final phase of their offseason program with OTAs this week. They have two weeks of them and a week of mandatory minicamp after that. While much of what will happen during practice will not be seen, there are a number of positions with questions.
Which positions and position groups are worth paying attention to in photos and videos the team releases?
Offensive line
At right guard, there is the biggest question, where a number of players could start. Unless Will Hernandez is re-signed, second-year pro Isaiah Adams probably is in the lead, although free agent addition Royce Newman, Jon Gaines and rookie Hayden Conner could be in the mix.
Center Hjalte Froholdt was not at the first day of OTAs. If he is hurt, Evan Brown, last year’s starting left guard, probably handles duties at center, which then opens up competition at left guard. Watch guys like Nick Leverett to be in the mix.
Wide receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson will be the top two wideouts in the rotation. But who will be No. 3? By the end of last season, Zay Jones was getting more time outside with Wilson playing in the slot, while Greg Dortch was moved to No. 4. Xavier Weaver, an undrafted rookie in 2024, could emerge and they added Simi Fehoko in free agency.
Defensive line
This is all about who plays. They have eight players who could play. They won’t keep eight. Will Darius Robinson have a starting role? What about first-round rookie Walter Nolen?
Inside linebacker
With Kyzir White no longer with the team, a few players will vie for the Mike role. They could move Mack Wilson over and then have others compete for his old role in 2024. It could also be free agent addition Akeem Davis-Gaither, third-year pro Owen Pappoe or fourth-round rookie Cody Simon.
Cornerback
With Sean Murphy-Bunting out for the season, that leaves both boundary cornerback starting jobs open. Star Thomas and Max Melton shared with Murphy-Bunting. Second-round pick Will Johnson is added to the mix. Johnson, Thomas and Melton will compete for two roles. Who gets the first starting role in the offseason?
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals OTAs: 5 positions with questions