Offensive coordinator Mike McCoy was like a kid on his birthday this past April, watching the gifts stack up.
The Cardinals chose six players in the 2018 NFL draft, and five of them were on the offensive side of the ball.
"It was just one of those years where as an offensive staff you're going, 'OK, keep going, let's go, one more,'" McCoy said. "We want as many players as we can get."
Each of the Cardinals' first four picks – quarterback Josh Rosen, wide receiver Christian Kirk, center Mason Cole and running back Chase Edmonds – were on offense, and Sunday against the Seahawks, all should have significant roles.
Cole is the starting center, Rosen the starting quarterback, Kirk a starting receiver and Edmonds the change-of-pace back behind David Johnson. The draft class became close-knit this offseason while living at the same hotel, and they spoke often of these dreams.
"I remember those conversations like it was yesterday, just optimistic conversations," Edmonds said. "'How's it going to be being a rookie in the NFL? What are our roles going to be?' Because all of us were kind of brought in with different situations."
Cole was expected to be a backup, but a season-ending injury to veteran A.Q. Shipley in training camp made him a starter. Strong preseasons elevated Kirk and Edmonds to significant roles from the outset, and Rosen will make his first career start on Sunday.
"I think it's kind of where sports in general are heading," Rosen said. "I think a lot of younger guys are playing at the high school level, the college level and the NFL. We're taking our opportunity and running as far and as fast as we can with it."
All four could be on the field together at times, and Kirk said it's crucial the rookies grow up quickly.
"We have to come in and play to a standard that has been set," Kirk said. "Even if there was an eight-year veteran at our position, we have to perform to that level."
BACKUP QUARTERBACK CHOICE TO COME SATURDAY
Wilks declined to say if his backup quarterback against the Seahawks will be Sam Bradford or Mike Glennon. Wilks said he will decide on Saturday evening, the usual time he picks inactives.
"I'll give those guys that information right after the team meeting," Wilks said.
According to OverTheCap.com, Bradford receives a $312,500 roster bonus for each game he is active. General Manager Steve Keim told 98.7 FM, Arizona’s Sports Station on Friday that "we won't get consumed with the money part of it."
NO DECISION ON NO. 2 CORNERBACK
Wilks did not say who would start at cornerback opposite Patrick Peterson. Jamar Taylor started the first three games but was replaced by Bené Benwikere in the fourth quarter of last week's contest against the Bears. Wilks said the two would battle for the role in practice this week.
"(The) guys are still competing," Wilks said. "I thought they had a great week. I thought Bené did some great things. J.T. probably had one of the best practices he had all week (on Friday)."
Taylor said he played "horrible" in Week 2 against the Rams but thought he bounced back against Chicago.
"Game 2 I was just trying to do too much, thinking way too much," Taylor said. "I wasn't really just playing ball. I changed my routine, changed my game plan. That was on me. I was tripping."
ANDRE SMITH, COREY PETERS QUESTIONABLE
Right tackle Andre Smith (elbow) and defensive tackle Corey Peters (elbow) practiced in a limited capacity and are questionable to play Sunday. Defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (knee), wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (hamstring) and defensive tackle Olsen Pierre (toe) are also listed as questionable but seem likely to play.
For the Seahawks, linebacker K.J. Wright (knee) and defensive end Rasheem Green (ankle) are out. Guard Ethan Pocic (ankle) and running back C.J. Prosise (abdomen) are doubtful. Wide receiver Doug Baldwin (knee), running back Chris Carson (hip), safety Delano Hill (hamstring) and defensive end Dion Jordan (hip) are listed as questionable. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is confident Baldwin will play.
