In a season expected to be a tough one in Arizona, there are some bright spots. While the 2023 NFL Draft only scratched the surface of need, some gems will emerge. This season, there are three Cardinals rookies sure to breakout and make a name for themselves in the NFL.
Three Breakout Rookies for The Cardinals
Garrett Williams, Defensive Back
Sometimes fate can and will lend a hand. Garrett Williams, who has been recovering from injuries, is hoping to get back on the field. However, that hasn’t stopped the hype and promise the Cardinals have.
Williams went through seven games at Syracuse before going down with a season-ending knee injury. Before the injury, he had put together his best season with the Orange behind two interceptions and a forced fumble. He added a sack and 36 tackles, 1.5 of which were for losses, in his junior year.
Arizona is hoping to get Williams back on the field sooner rather than later. The incredible lack of depth in the cornerback room is a big concern for head coach Jonathan Gannon. His qualities at the cornerback position were only tempered by his injury. For the Cardinals, he was an absolute steal. He is a natural leader and an alpha dog on the field. If a ball is anywhere near him on the field, he can get to it and make a big play. His temperament is what every NFL team needs and what the Cardinals crave on defense.
When Williams gets on the field, he has the capability to rejuvenate a down defense. He’s a playmaker and is sure to be a defensive breakout star as early as this season.
Jon Gaines, Offensive Line
Jon Gaines, a fourth-round pick out of UCLA, has been below the radar long enough. Gaines is one of those types of players who is “plug-and-play” anywhere on the O-Line. During his Bruins tenure, Gaines played everywhere up and down the line, finding a home at right guard. The Cardinals, who are a dumpster fire all along the offensive line, make Gaines a valued commodity.
The Arizona Cardinals are wasting no time throwing center reps at rookie OL Jon Gaines II. 👀
🎥: @Tdrake4sports pic.twitter.com/W9FGVKBCyV
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) May 12, 2023
Gaines has a high football I.Q. He’s versatile, great athleticism, and durable, having 27 or 30 starts at UCLA. Best for the Cardinals is his ability to work in any number of capacities. While he will compete for a guard position, he could get snaps at center. While the learning curve for the offensive line position can be steep, he will compete hard. Gains will win some battles on his way to a very productive rookie season and beyond.
Clayton Tune, Quarterback
What hasn’t been said about Cardinals rookie quarterback Clayton Tune. The self-professed best quarterback in the 2023 draft will get a very long look at camp and in preseason games. The gambler’s bet is on Tune while the safe money is on Colt McCoy. McCoy, a worthy fan-favorite turns 36 years old on September 6, and the age is becoming a detriment given this team’s needs.
At Houston, Tune was the epitome of “leader” for a Cougars team that was very confident. While it is not a stone-cold-lock, the idea he is under center Week 1 is not a far-fetched one. Both Monti Ossenfort and coach Gannon saw a quarterback who was a four-year starter and did not hesitate. Tune had nearly 12,000 career passing yards and 119 career touchdowns.
Clayton Tune is reportedly in the mix to start Week 1 for the Arizona Cardinals.
Kyler Murray and Colt McCoy aren’t practicing due to injury, leaving Tune to compete with Jeff Driskel and David Blough.#DynastyWeekpic.twitter.com/1a5AWpYfA1
— PlayerProfiler College (@Profiler_CFB) June 18, 2023
Most impressive about this rookie is his tremendous production at Houston. Tune started 42 games in four seasons.
Clayton Tune buys the Cardinals time while Kyler Murray heals. Arizona now has no reason to rush Murray back onto the field. If Tune can make an argument with his “all-in mentality, he could become the Cardinals fan favorite quarterback. He will also help Arizona transition during a complete overhaul long overdue.
Main Image: Mingson Lau/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
