The NFL season is still a couple of months away and training camps still have not opened. That means we will continue to see lists, rankings and projections.
Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy projected this year’s offensive NFL All-Rookie Team and one Arizona Cardinals draft pick makes the list, but it isn’t the player you think.
No. 4 overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr., a wide receiver, and expected to have a major role in the Cardinals’ offense, did not make the list.
The two receivers projected to make it were Malik Nabers of the New York Giants an Xavier Worthy of the Kansas City Chiefs.
One might argue that Nabers could have a better season because he doesn’t have the rushing attack the Cardinals have or a player like Cardinals tight end Trey McBride to potential steal receptions. And Worthy will have Patrick Mahomes throwing him the ball.
The one Cardinals rookie to make the list is running back Trey Benson, the Cardinals’ first third-round pick of four they made.
Benson is projected to make it along with Jonathon Brooks.
Benson will play behind starting running back James Conner, but Conner has missed multiple games every season he has played in the league. Benson projects as his main backup and hopefully will get his share of carries and yards.
But for my money, it is a better bet to think Harrison will have the type of season that would warrant such honors. He will be their starting ‘X’ receiver. Benson will have to battle to be the No. 2 back.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.