Four Hidden Gems for 2023 Arizona Cardinals

There are a lot of unknowns on the 2023 Arizona Cardinals roster, but these four players look like possible diamonds in the rough.

Author:
Richie Bradshaw
Publish date:
Jul 4, 2023 4:04 PM EDT

When looking at this 2023 Arizona Cardinals team it's very easy to say it's a roster devoid of top-tier talent. Rather, it looks like patchwork and a unit destined for a top-three draft pick for 2024.

Still, there are some guys on this roster who could outplay expectations; some hidden gems if you will.

Today, we take a look at four players who could wind up being much better than many anticipate. We'll be highlighting a rookie with lots of production under his belt, a steady veteran, a potential second-year breakout candidate, and a savvy veteran free agent addition.

Let's get started with the rookie:

Clayton Tune

Count me in as one of the many who believe in Tune becoming a high-quality backup for the Cardinals and even a starter for the team if Kyler Murray starts the year on the mend.

Tune threw for over 11,000 yards and 104 touchdowns in his career with Houston while guiding the team to plenty of success. Tune was a fifth-round selection by the Cardinals this year and there's a belief he can beat out some of the veterans on this team to become QB2. I am of that same belief.

Heading into training camp, Tune should be near the top of radars as a player to watch. He's certainly a lot of fun to watch play and it wouldn't be a surprise if he looked good in camp and the preseason.

Josh Jones

Jones isn't a complete unknown for the Cardinals, but how many casual fans know who Jones is? Better yet, how many are aware of his quality play?

In his three-year career in the desert, Jones has steadily improved each year and has several starts under his belt across the offensive line. He's lined up both at tackle and guard and in a pinch he's a more than good enough starter. It's a wonder why he isn't a full-time starter given the state of this offensive line.

Jones should enter training camp with the attention of the new staff and should compete for a starting spot along the line. Nothing will be guaranteed for Jones, but he is at worst the team's sixth lineman for heavy packages.

Myjai Sanders

Sanders is a sleeping giant who, if developed properly, could one day become a star in the NFL. If ever there were a coach to get Sanders to that point, it would be Jonathan Gannon.

Gannon and the Philadelphia Eagles made history in 2022 with four players accumulating 11 or more sacks and three of them, Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat, and Brandon Graham, were edge rushers. While Sanders isn't near the caliber of any of those three, his potential is certainly there and Gannon could be the man to help him unlock it.

The Cardinals will be desperate to have any sort of pass rush in 2023 and Sanders will get every opportunity to show he can be one of their top guys. Watch out for him in 2023 with Gannon coaching him and hopefully realizing his upside.

Rashad Fenton

Fenton is the lone free agent on this list and I believe that he could wind up being a steal for the Cardinals.

In his four pro seasons, Fenton went from a sixth-round pick to a quality role player for the Chiefs and outplayed his draft position. The Chiefs used a ragtag group of corners to win their first Super Bowl of the Patrick Mahomes era, and Fenton was one of the key players for them. He was traded to the Falcons late last year and quickly forgotten about on a bad team. Now, he will look to remind many of who he is in Arizona.

It's no secret the Cardinals have a major problem at the cornerback position, but Fenton could be one of the solutions. With Marco Wilson expected to be the top guy, Fenton could and should win the number two spot across from him. If and when he does, just remember I told you so.