The Arizona Cardinals are staring down their final preseason game this Friday, and let me tell you, for four recent draft picks, it is literally make-or-break time. These guys, all picked in either 2023 or 2024, are on the dreaded roster bubble, facing what could easily be the end of their NFL dreams before the regular season even kicks off. We are talking about playing for their careers, right here, right now. No exaggeration.
Injury Woes and Rookie Threats At Linebacker
First up, you have got OLB BJ Ojulari. This dude was a 2023 second-round pick, which is a pretty high investment, right? But he just has not been able to stay on the field. Injuries have absolutely plagued his career, leaving him with only two half-seasons played across three years. Now, he is battling Eku Leota for what looks like the absolute final outside linebacker spot on the roster. And here is the kicker: Ojulari has not really shown much, while Leota is apparently already a major contributor on special teams. That is a tough, tough spot for a former second-rounder, feeling the heat from a guy who just gets it done where it counts on special teams.
Then there is ILB Owen Pappoe, a 2023 fifth-round pick. He is locked in a battle with rookie Karson Sharar for what is likely the last spot in the inside linebacker rotation. Pappoe has been an absolute special teams beast, racking up over 300 snaps in the last two seasons. That is dedication! But Sharar is the new guy, right? He is also making plays on special teams, and word is he has some serious upside on defense. When a rookie comes in showing flashes on both special teams and defense, the veteran, even one with Pappoe’s special teams resume, suddenly has a huge mountain to climb.
Cornerbacks Deep In The Trenches For A Spot
The cornerback room is also a total pressure cooker, with spots shrinking fast. Kei’Trel Clark, a sixth-round pick from 2023, finds himself deep in that rotation. He has actually managed to make the roster each of the last two seasons, which is definitely a testament to his grind. But now, he is got Elijah Jones, Star Thomas, and a whole slew of other guys he needs to flat-out beat to keep his job. It is never easy when you have proven you can make the team, only to have to fight tooth and nail again.
And speaking of Elijah Jones, he is a 2024 third-round pick, trying to snag that sixth cornerback spot. The problem? Will Johnson, Max Melton, Denzel Burke, Garrett Williams, and Sean Murphy-Bunting are all reportedly locks for the final roster. That leaves Jones, a higher-round pick from just last year, vying for literally one single remaining spot against Clark and others. You know every single rep, every single coverage, every single tackle is going to be scrutinized heavily. Talk about high pressure, man. These guys need to show up in a major, major way this Friday night.
So yeah, this final preseason game is not just another meaningless exhibition. For these four Cardinals draft picks, it is their absolute last chance to prove they belong in the league. Every snap they take on Friday will be under an intense spotlight, defining whether they make the cut or if their NFL journey ends before it even truly began. It is going to be a wild ride watching who steps up and who sadly might be packing their bags. You have to feel for these guys, knowing everything is on the line.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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