This past week, the Arizona Cardinals rookie minicamp offered Cardinals fans a first look at this year’s draft class. Top pick Zaven Collins and the rest of the 2021 class were seen Cardinals colors for the first time. Splitting their time between working with coaches on the field and talking with reporters off the field, here’s what we learned from the Arizona Cardinals rookie mini-camp.
Arizona Cardinals Rookie Minicamp News and Notes
Zaven Collins Is A True ‘Alpha’
Arizona’s selection of Zaven Collins came as a bit of a shock to many; consensus was that the Cardinals would go in a different direction. Yet with the selection came an alarming statement of intent from general manager Steve Keim that Collins would be the team’s starting ‘Mike’ linebacker. The statement usurped current starter Jordan Hicks, who has since been granted permission to seek a trade.
Keim noted post-draft that Collins was one of a select few draft prospects whom scouts had attached the ‘Alpha’ tag. He explained that ‘Alpha’ players are those who demonstrate rare leadership and motivational qualities, as well as exceptional ability on the field. At the Cardinals rookie minicamp, Collins began to show just why the Cardinals selected him in the first round. He was reportedly vocal throughout walk-throughs, confidently calling the defense and communicating with his teammates. Cardinals sideline reporter Paul Calvisi shared his first impression of Collins on Twitter. He commented on the sheer size of the Tulsa product, especially for a middle linebacker.
Speaking to the media, Collins communicated the small-town humility that has been a part of his character since being drafted. Although Kliff Kingsbury confirmed to reporters that he expected Collins to start Week 1, alongside Isaiah Simmons, Collins himself refused to engage with such projections. He repeatedly assured reporters that his mindset was to earn the role, and that his work ethic throughout the off-season would be geared towards improving every aspect of his game.
Zaven Collins will be the team’s starting middle linebacker in 2021, whether he publicly acknowledges it or not. However, his ability and demeanour on the field, particularly as a leader, indicates he is well on the way to claiming the role that has been laid out for him.
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Rondale Moore’s Work Ethic Is Unmatched
On opening night of the 2021 NFL Draft, Rondale Moore saw himself miss out on being a first-round selection. That night, at 1am, he was working out. When asked by the media, Moore told reporters that he did believe himself to be a first round talent. He was disappointed that he wasn’t selected higher.
However, Moore was quick to state how happy he was to end up with the Cardinals and was excited to learn his role within the offense. The humility of the former Purdue star shone through in interviews, regularly professing his willingness to learn. He was appreciative of the veteran talent in the Cardinals wide receiver room, understanding the difficulty in the transition from college to NFL. Surrounded by All-Pro talents like DeAndre Hopkins and AJ Green, Moore acknowledged to reporters that he has a good situation in order to learn and progress as an NFL player.
Moore’s talent, skillset and physical profile has drawn comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs star Tyreek Hill. When asked about these links, Moore’s personality became apparent. He noted that he has a long way to go to get to Hill’s level, demonstrating what appears to be a characteristic humility and drive. Yet Moore’s response communicated a promising self-confidence. Along with his talent, this could see him carve out an early role in the Cardinals offense.
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Tay Gowan Will Be A Fan-Favorite
Many considered Tay Gowan to be one of the steals of the draft. Selected in the sixth round, Gowan’s decision to opt-out hurt his draft stock. He was bullish in his response, citing his commitment to the safety of his young family as the main reason for his decision. Fortunately for the Cardinals, this meant they got a PFF ‘Top-100’ talent at #223.
A young man who wears his heart on his sleeve, Gowan has not tried to hide his excitement since being drafted by the Cardinals. On social media, Gowan has regularly engaged with Cardinals fans and documented his journey to Arizona in the past weeks. For all of his extracurricular activities though, Gowan is ready to work. Speaking to the media, Gowan joked that he would spend all of his time during rookie minicamp at the facility. Gowan also seems to have struck up a rapport with Marco Wilson, who also slid in the draft.
One thing that will warm Cardinal fans to Gowan more than anything is the jersey he will be wearing. Although just happy to have a jersey, Gowan stated that he thought that the number 32 chose him. 32 has a storied history, worn most recently by Budda Baker and former Cardinal Tyrann Mathieu. Gowan becomes the latest in a short but star-studded line of players to wear the number. Gowan’s respect for the number even drew the attention of Mathieu, whose tweet to Gowan lead to a heart-warming exchange. Gowan promised that he would not let Mathieu down. Thanks to recent history, the number 32 carries lofty expectations. Yet, for all of his outgoing and playful personality, Tay Gowan certainly has the ability and commitment to reach those heights.
UCF CB Tay Gowan on his battle with COVID and his decision to opt out last season ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/JvSNpWQBtX
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 22, 2021
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Embed from Getty Images
