Another Cardinals rookie has become a starter

After getting the start in Week 14 and playing every single snap, a third-round pick has now officially become a starter.

The Arizona Cardinals have had important contributions from several of their 2024 rookie class. Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., their first pick in the draft, has been a starter all season. Tight end Tip Reiman, drafted in the third round, is listed third on the depth chart at the position but has started eight of the team’s 13 games. He is the team’s blocking tight end.

Cornerback Max Melton, drafted in the second round, has only started one game but plays a significant role on defense as part of the cornerback rotation.

Another rookie has quietly moved into the starting lineup. Offensive lineman Isaiah Adams, drafted in the third round, went from getting shared snaps at right guard with Trystan Colon since the season-ending injury to Will Hernandez to starting in Week 14 and playing every snap.

This week, the move to the starting lineup was solidified with him being on the depth chart as the starting right guard.

According to Darren Urban for the official team site, “it was a dream come true” for Adams to get the start.

“(I) couldn’t sleep the night before,” Adams said. “But it was good to go against Leonard Williams, seeing what that type of strength is like, and being out there with the guys in that type of environment too in a game that means so much.”

With Hernandez on injured reserve and set to be a free agent after the season, including his start last week, this should be a very nice five-gam audition for the starting job next year. If he shows promise, it will impact how they address the guard position in the offseason.

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