May 9, 2025 • 31 mins
Ep. 882 - It’s been a busy two days for Jordan Burch. He, and the other rookies, arrived Thursday. Then Friday the seven-player draft class and six undrafted free agents gathered on the practice field for the start of rookie minicamp. In addition, Burch added a stop in the radio studio to speak with Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck about his time at Oregon, expectations for Year 1 with the Cardinals, learning the playbook, first impressions of the coaching staff, reuniting with high school teammate Xavier Thomas and the differences he sees between putting his hand in the dirt versus standing up on the edge. Also, Craig and Dani discuss what they saw while they were allowed to watch the rookies practice.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
Meeting the twenty twenty five drift class. Welcome Bird Gang.
On today's show, Danny Surrek joins me. The two of
us are joined by Jordan Birch, the third round pick
out Oregon. He and the rest of the rookies are
in town for Rookie Minnie Camp. They were on the
field on Friday. So what do we see and what
do we hear from this year's draft class. It's Cardinals
Cover two, Episode eight eighty two, and it starts now.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Welcome to Cardinals Cover two.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
Food to Baker, what Heart? What rent? This guy's unbelievable.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Cardinals Cover two is presented by Hyundai, proud partner of
the Arizona Cardinals, and by Arizona Cardinals Podcast. Visit Azycardinals
dot com slash podcast.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
He's at the ten half of five. He's it again,
so more hurry magic.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Whow Here's Craigdriolu.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
Happy Friday, Danny, Happy Friday. I would say this is
a rare occurrence in the off season to have a
show on a Friday, But this is the second time
in three weeks we've had a Friday show. It does seem,
it does seem that it was a long time ago
that the draft was just a couple of weeks ago.
Yet at the same time it wasn't. Because now the
(01:21):
players are here. After talking about them for darn near
two weeks, they are finally in the building.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
The draft feels like way longer than just two weeks ago.
But yeah, this is the first look at rookies Rookie
Minni camp this weekend.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
Friday and Saturday. On the field. They arrived on Thursday,
and in the past Rookie Minni Camp was a lot
on the field, I mean, it was a full blown practice,
But as we heard from Jonathan Gannon earlier on Friday,
it's kind of more of an orientation. Hey, get to
know the building, get to know the people in the building.
(01:59):
Where do I need to be? Where are things? And
then you get a small taste, which we'll get into
a small taste of a NFL practice.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
To a certain extent, it's like orientation, Hey, this is
where the cafeteria is, this is how you get into
the locker room, this is how you get to the
colt up right, this is the weight room. Just kind
of getting situated, getting a feel for what a schedule's
going to look like, at least in the off season
with going through the playbook and getting out on the
field and lifting weights and just kind of getting familiar
(02:29):
with the staff that is also here. So that's really
what a lot of rookie mini camp has become. There's
a little bit of i should say activity on the field.
It's not we didn't at least see.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
A whole lot. You want to get into it stuff,
all right, Yes, it's not a full practice. The Cardinals rookies.
You're talking about the seven player draft class and the
six undrafted free agents, no trial players. So literally there
were thirteen players on the field and as a joke
to you as we walked out, the support staff I'm
(03:04):
talking about coaches, trainers, assistants probably outnumbered the players two
to one, three to one. It was. You want to
talk about one on one instruction like in a classroom setting,
smaller classrooms you kind of learn a little bit more
as opposed to the big lecture hall. These two days
(03:24):
are basically one on one instruction with your position coach.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
The first fifteen minutes media was out, there was watching
from the far field stretching, which it look is part
of what rookie mini camp is about, right, What are
the stretching lineups going to look like what can you
expect when you were out here going through a practice
with veterans and you are going full speed, so that
makes sense. And then we saw about five minutes of
(03:50):
the positions separated, which was we saw two defensive linemen, right,
we saw like four offensive linemen and they're not doing
anything super intense defensive line and we're doing some sled
work working with the dummies. It's just kind of getting
situated with what is the coaching staff going to ask
of you before these rookies are practicing with veterans, do
(04:11):
they have the foundation at least of what the form
is expected of them?
Speaker 1 (04:15):
And that was big because we were closer to where
both Walter Nolan and Elijah Simmons the two defensive lineman
and Simmons, yes, looks all the parts of six' one
three thirty, four but you had Coach, debo the d line,
coach And Nick rolis over there to the defensive coordinator
and to your, point it was, More, okay this is
(04:37):
the beginning steps of your. Footwork this is how we,
practice this is how we attack the. Sled it's about hand.
Placement some is new to these, players because every coach
teaches a little bit, differently and What Walter nolan the
third learned at Ole miss might be a little bit
different as far as what The cardinals ask of him
here as far as where you place your, feet where
(04:58):
you place your. Hands so a lot of a lot of,
LEARNING i, Think and it's, basically you, know start with
step one and then step, two and then you bring
it all together when you get assimilated with the veterans
who will be here next.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
Week so getting assimilated to the, heat that's. True now
some of the, players it's become a lot more. Common
there are just options out here in the valley to
train either for the combine or the couple weeks in.
Between so there are some of them that have experience
in the. Heat but that is also part of. It
as you're out there in the, sun you gotta get
used to.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
IT i, mean it was eighty. Eight it wasn't. Bad
there was a slight. Breeze now full, disclosure the media
is placed under the tree under some. Shade but it
wasn't too too, bad.
Speaker 3 (05:45):
No but that's part of. It in the next couple
of weeks and then you get into mini camp here In.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
June, NOW i thought you had the number one takeaway
of what we actually, saw and that was offensive Lineman
Hayden connor actually snapping the football when you had the
four offensive, now someone had to snap To Connor, singer
someone had to snap the. Ball and we Know hayden
has limited experience doing that in the playoffs because of
(06:14):
an injury situation At, texas and the other three offensive
linemen they're all.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
TACKLES i said That moore is a little tongue in
cheek of let's not jump the conclusions from what we
saw the first time the rookie stepped on the. Field
it was probably more so you need somebody to snap the,
ball and he has at least some experience. There that
was please don't take that.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Seriously but it's again that, versatility and, yes if you're
practicing at a certain, position it means, that, hey in a. Pinch,
NO i don't Expect Hayden connor to be the backup
to yell to, froll but he does have that. Experience
and when you got other three offensive linemen who probably
have never snapped the, football you don't want someone to
snap The, now my biggest takeaway was the hummingbird that
(06:58):
kept floating around. Us and that was basically for the
first fifteen minutes as we watched team. Stretch was the
excitement of rookie.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
Minting, yeah it was, nice, nice a little bit of nature,
there all.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
Right AS i mentioned off the, Top danny AND i
had the chance to talk With Jordan, birch the team's
new outside. LINEBACKER i do think it's important to note
that again this is the first for, everyone and again
we heard From jordan after the draft and the conference,
call but we got to here from them a little
bit more here in studio with. Us so not sure
(07:34):
if you saw this after your name was announced as
The cardinals pick in the third, round but your head,
Coach Dan lanning At oregon posted this on social. Media
cardinals got a game. Wrecker you're? Smiling, Yeah does that
accurately describe your? Game?
Speaker 4 (07:50):
Oh, yeah? Sure why, WELL i would say my time At,
oregon anything they, know any position they put me, AT
i was able to learn. It and then you Know
rick have from that position and So, landing he kind
of you, know taught me the ins and. Outs but
whenever he needs on the, FIELD i can go do.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
It jordan you're In arizona now for mini. Camp what
have you learned so? Far because it's it's kind of like, orientation,
Right is that a fair way to describe it for
what you're kind of learning out?
Speaker 4 (08:17):
Here, YEAH i say so so. Far you, know learning
the you, know the way around the. Building you, know
you can get lost cause the first day here and
then trying to. Learn you, know my position coach has
been pretty good at teaching me what to do on
the field and off the. Field so just honeing in
and listening to what they have for.
Speaker 1 (08:34):
Me you mentioned on the conference call that your first
impression of this coaching staff was laid back and. Chill
what specifically gave you that vibe when you met whether
it WAS jag Or Nick rollis or your position.
Speaker 4 (08:49):
Coach, yeah, well starting from the. Top WHEN i met WITH,
jg he like kicked his feet. Up he was just
telling me like when you come in as a, rookie you,
know this is what you have to, do you, know
get your work. Done it wasn't like a you, know
yelling and you, know getting on me at all. Times
it was just, like you, know you know what to,
do you know what position you? Play just get it,
done and then down the, line like all the, coaches
(09:11):
just instilling with the playbooks supposed to be and how
it's supposed to look on the.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
Field you might have been the first person to Describe
gannon as chill or laid, back because everyone always says
he's high, energy but he said on the field he's high.
Energy but you might have been the first person to
describe him as laid back and.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Chill, YEAH i MEAN i can. SEE i can tell
it's from today how he. Was he was all around
watching and you, know give him, tips SO i can
kind of see the energy coming. Out but WHEN i
was on my, visit he was kind of like a,
cool mellow.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
Guy you haven't had a chance to work out with veterans,
yet but you are entering a pretty veteran heavy. Room
that was an area of emphasis this offseason for this.
Organization so what are you wanting to learn from the
first couple of days or weeks from the veterans in your?
Speaker 4 (09:55):
Room, Yeah i'll, say how how does a veteran carry
yourself throughout the, building his day in and day, out his?
Preparation how how does he go through his day learning?
Playbooks so just you, know asking questions when they get
here and you, know trying to figure out what's the
best THING i can do.
Speaker 1 (10:10):
Now one of those. VETERANS i don't know IF i
would quite call him a veteran, yet But Xavier thomas
someone you're familiar with high school. Teammates what is he
told you in the lead up to your arrival here
as far as the, area the, team any advice you
got from?
Speaker 4 (10:26):
Him, yeah just be. Prepared you, know he came in last,
year he had to be prepared and you, know learn a.
Lot so just having that mindset to never feel like
you got, it but you, know come every day to
learn and just you, know be ready at all.
Speaker 1 (10:38):
Times curious who was the better athlete in high? School
me for?
Speaker 4 (10:43):
Sure, okay just gotta make sure most definitely mean you
ask him me for.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
Sure is there a funny moment or favorite moment from
high school football with the two of, you because you
joked in your post draft conference call about the two
of you lining up against high school offensive lineman and
it wasn't much of a.
Speaker 4 (10:59):
Competition, YEAH i, MEAN i don't think there was anything,
funny but just like you, know us being on the
field at the same. TIME i had to learn a
lot from, Him like when the college coaches came to
watch him, play they would see me out, there so
he kind of helped a. Lot but just having him
around was a great.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
EXPERIENCE i also read you lettered in basketball and was
actually recruited By South carolina to be a two. Sport
did it ever get to where you were on the
basketball court At South?
Speaker 4 (11:22):
Carolina, NO i never went out. THERE i was trying
to learn my playbook from football. FIRST i, just you,
know left.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
Alone what made you go the football route versus?
Speaker 4 (11:32):
BASKETBALL i THINK i was doing. Better so in high
SCHOOL i was playing. Receiver they SAID i was too,
slow SO i moved to d N, well football came
around like it wasn't the. Same SO i, just you,
know left it.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
Alone when you're working on getting familiar with this, organization the,
expectations learning your way around the building and the playbook
and the, scheme and what's going to be asked of,
You what does a typical day look like for? You
and in terms of learning the, playbook is that something
you're just constantly looking through it or are you asking?
Questions are, you you, know going through the motions on the,
(12:08):
field what does that process look like to?
Speaker 4 (12:10):
You, YEAH i try to ask a lot of questions
SO i can get it BEFORE i go on to the.
Field but it's just Like i'm in the. HALLWAY i
got time to step through WHAT i need to step,
through or ask the coach to walk it through for.
Me but just making SURE i have BEFORE i go,
out there's the main thing for.
Speaker 1 (12:24):
Me how difficult or different or difficult is AN nfl
playbook versus a college?
Speaker 4 (12:30):
PLAYBOOK i, say it's a lot of. Similarities like if
you know where it's coming, from you kind of can
figure out what the guys next thing he's. Doing if
you're to the, boundary you're to the, field just you,
know figuring out what the guys around you're doing or
help you out a. Lot so it's kind of a
lot of.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
Similarities there's a lot of life changes going on Of,
okay you're moving on from college and you get drafted
and now you're thrown out, here and have you ever
been To arizona before even coming out here for Rookie Minni.
Speaker 4 (12:55):
Caamp i've been To arizona a few times AND i
was training out, here SO i was down the, street
SO i got used to the weather a little, bit
but it's different when he might take.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
You a little.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
Bit but there's a lot of changes going, on not
just as a professional football, player but also kind of
as a person right living somewhere. New how have you
gone ABOUT i know it hasn't been a long, time
but how have you gone about adjusting to everything going?
Speaker 4 (13:17):
ON i mean just asking the people Around So i've
been asking the coaches or people that you know live,
here like what's the best plots to be? In you,
KNOW i got a former teammate on the, team SO
i was just, like where SHOULD i go or different
things like. That so just trying to get used to
it and asking everybody around me how long did it
take them to get used to the.
Speaker 3 (13:33):
Area when you're looking for new restaurants or, stuff do
you have a favorite type of food that you're going
to go looking for?
Speaker 4 (13:39):
FIRST i Like italian, food so that'll probably be.
Speaker 3 (13:42):
Okay so if anyone Has italian, recommendations Let jorde, know no.
Speaker 1 (13:46):
PLEASE i started this conversation off about asking about your.
Game we've seen you in a three point, Stance we've
seen you stand up on the. Edge what do you
like about both having the hand in the dirt and
then standing up ready to.
Speaker 4 (14:00):
Go i'll, say standing up you can see more of
what's going. On so if a guy's coming back or
they shift the running, back you can kind of see
what's going. On three point, stance it's kind of like
a loaded. Stance you're just you, know getting off the. Rock,
SO i, MEAN i had had fun doing. BOTH i
really did enjoy. It but you, know it's kind of
the same growing.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
Up who was a player or team that you watched a.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
LOT i didn't really watch too much too MUCH. NFL
i watched a little. BIT i think the two thousand
and nine when The cardinals. Played that was my First
Super bowl, ever like sat down and. Watched so other than,
THAT i don't really have like a specific.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
Team you mentioned earlier that you were too slow to
play wide. RECEIVER i wouldn't categorize you as slow coming
off the. Edge and then obviously what went viral was
the thirty six yard punt return or fake. Punt have
you had a chance to talk with special teams Coordinator
Jeff rodgers about potentially being in the mix as far
(14:56):
as special teams and showing the ability to run and
actually break tackles as a running.
Speaker 4 (15:02):
Back, Yeah i've been in there trying to learn the special.
Teams we haven't talked about any you, know fakes or anything,
running but you, Know i'm just trying to get the
play With.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
Now you, are you, know not given expectations per, Se,
Right you're just trying to do your job and learn
the playbook and be prepared out on the. Field but
what have you gathered from pre draft conversations talking to
players who have been, here maybe what you have seen
from watching any bit of The cardinals that you have
of what the expectations are when playing For Jonathan. Gannon,
(15:31):
yeah LIKE i.
Speaker 4 (15:32):
Said, earlier coming in every day and never feel like
you got. It just be able to learn and adapt
to what's going on throughout the. Day just be prepared
so when they call your name you get that opportunity
to step on the. Field just be, ready you, know
be able to do your.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
Job how much do you think you are? Ready, again
we're talking about here In, may but season begins In.
September what are your own personal expectations for year?
Speaker 4 (15:55):
One, yeah be able to do whatever they need me to.
Do rather that special team. Defense so when the coach
puts me out. There you, KNOW i know What i'm.
Doing just help the team. Out just be that. Guddess
go make a play on, defense make a play on special,
teams and just you, know when they need, me just
be able to do.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
It hasn't been a lot of time with the, rookies
but as you guys are spending time together now the
last couple of, days any are you able to describe
any any general personalities or what the rookie class as
a whole might be.
Speaker 4 (16:25):
Like not, really everybody, Really, yeah there has been pretty
quiet and trying to, learn like personality is about to come.
Speaker 1 (16:32):
Out so you need to get The Ohio state guys
to kind of separate from themselves and kind of you,
know they've been talking a little.
Speaker 4 (16:38):
Bit everybody.
Speaker 3 (16:38):
Will johnson's probably ready to help you separate.
Speaker 1 (16:40):
Them i'm.
Speaker 3 (16:41):
Sure, Yeah.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
JORDAN a pleasure to have you here in, STUDIO a
pleasure to have you on the. Team look forward to
seeing what you can do on the football field real.
Speaker 4 (16:49):
Soon, sure thank.
Speaker 1 (16:50):
You AS i mentioned to, Him danny very anxious to
See Jordan birch on the field given just how one
third round, pick but his side and his his need
at that outside linebacker. Position, yeah you do have A Josh,
sweat you Resign Baron. Browning but, again an edge, rusher
a young edge. Rusher we'll have to wait and see
(17:12):
how healthy Bjo julari is when we see him on
the football. Field but As jordan, said, hey it's come,
in it's, wreckavoc it's get after the quarterback and whatever
the coaching staff wants us or wants me to.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
Do six four two seventy. Nine and that's an interesting
position group to come in because there is some veteran presence,
there Right Josh, SWEAT i Mean Zavin collins has been
in that room for a couple of years. Now B
Joe julari expected to come back and be. Healthy he
still has the, opportunity Though birch, does to come in
and be a game changer and have a role in that.
(17:47):
Room so just because he's a rookie and there's you
know a handful of players above him in the depth
chart right, now there's still an opportunity for him to
come in and have a role as a, rookie especially
with a rotation that likes to be. Used Now i'm
curious the rotation with somebody like a sweat and is
it more so rotation opposite of. Him that's something that
is only going to come with time as we get
(18:07):
into training camp and maybe. Preseason probably won't play so
more so the start of the regular. Season but it's
an interesting spot For birch to be in because there's
plenty of veterans for him to learn, from which is
something he talked about wanting to do here in these
next couple. Weeks there's still the opportunity, though for him
to come in and make an.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
IMPACT i think it's important because he's not going to
be thrust into the starting lineup if he earns his
way there, perfect but based off everyone else in that,
room he can come in and kind of gradually get
ready and then be that guy maybe on obvious passing
situation third and long and just come in as, okay right,
now my job is to beat the person in front of,
(18:46):
me get into the, backfield get after the, quarterback and
wreck havoc and then over, Time, yes you have to
be able to set the, edge you have to be
able to be good in the run, game maybe even drop,
back so you're not it's not a tell when a
certain player on the, Field oh, well we know he's
on the field because he's just gonna go get at the.
Speaker 3 (19:04):
Quarterback, absolutely that's a great spot for rookie to be.
In you have the opportunity to come in and wreck the,
game and you also have the opportunity to not feel
that pressure and have enough veteran presence to learn.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
From and it's important that all of these. Rookies and
we did see a little bit out on the field
again the brief period of time that we were out,
there but Both jordan And Cody simon were working With Jeff.
Rodgers it looked like it was more on field goal
protection as far as, again if you have a uniform
on game day and you want to be able to
(19:37):
be on the field offensively or. DEFENSIVELY a lot of
these players are going to learn special teams for the first. Time,
Now jordan does have, experience not as much as A Keaton,
crawford but probably more so than some of these players
coming from big school programs where you're too. Valuable we
can't waste. You we can't waste your reps on special
teams when you're such a dominant player on.
Speaker 3 (19:58):
Defense that's part of the evaluation process is when you
just have the rookies out here try and get an early.
Feel what do you feel like they could be impactful
with on this, team and maybe that's something on special,
teams not a blanket. Statement if you can play everything
on special. Teams that's part of what this rookie mini
camp weekend is also.
Speaker 1 (20:15):
About by the, way congratulations To. Jordan, Also Denzel, Burke Hayden,
Connor Keaton crawford all have signed four year contracts their
first contracts in THE. Nfl so it's three players still
left to be left to be. Signed and it's not
like it was once upon a time where it was a,
long drag out. Process you're seeing this across the. League
(20:39):
once these rookies get in the, building before they step
on the, field even for rookie mini, caamp they are
signing on the line that is dotted and those, issues
if you, will or that extra step in order to
become a pro is done and taken care. Of SO
i would Expect Walter, Nolan Will, JOHNSON i would expect
that to get done sooner rather than, later maybe even
(21:01):
before the end of this.
Speaker 3 (21:02):
Weekend it's not something to start questioning or getting up
in arms about and thinking there's some underlying issue going on.
There i'm right there with.
Speaker 1 (21:11):
You speaking Of Will, johnson we heard from him On,
thursday and a much different Sounding Will johnson than the
last time everyone had a chance to hear from, him
and that was immediately after he was selected in the second.
Round and obviously the, disappointment the, frustration the, anger that
(21:31):
was not what we heard On. Thursday and, yes he acknowledged.
That it's, motivation but he's been able to move. On
he's in the building and now it's just about learning the,
playbook getting on the field and proving, Everyone, hey, YEAH
i should have been a first round. Pick without him
saying it. Anymore.
Speaker 3 (21:51):
Great you know, what as A, dB you want to
have that trip on your, shoulder you want to have
that little extra. Swag, Great i'm all for. It i'm
not surprised he feels like he should have been a
first round. Pick that's where a lot of mock drafts had.
Him the reality is he wasn't. Right he ended up
here In, arizona and SO i like what his message,
was which was now That i'm, here and now That
(22:13):
i'm in the, building it's time to get to. Work
it's no longer time to think about WHERE i was,
drafted WHERE i felt LIKE i should have been. Drafted
these things all end up having a way where they
work out the way they are meant, to And Will
johnson has the, opportunity similar To Jordan, birch maybe even more,
so to come into a position room and really fight
for a big role on this.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
DEFENSE i thought it was interesting he called this, scheme
this defense a cornerback's, dream and again looking at it
from his, perspective come in right away and whether you're
starting or not a rotation at, cornerback there's no reason
Why Will johnson can't be on that field week one,
(22:56):
again whether he's starting or, not but being able to
contribute right.
Speaker 3 (22:59):
AWAY i agree with you. Wholeheartedly we saw that last
year With Max. Melton he wasn't, starting he was on
a bit of a rotation later on in the season
With Star thomas got a lot of good. Reps SO
i could absolutely see that be the pipeline For johnson as.
WELL i think it's going to be. COMPETITION i think
there's a chance That johnson is a starter week, one
(23:22):
has earned that. ROLE i think it's going to be great.
Competition though specifically with the younger players Of thomas And,
melton and.
Speaker 1 (23:28):
Don't forget About Elijah, jones who again third round, pick
who we hardly saw last year.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
Because really at all SEE i Mean hardley was.
Speaker 1 (23:38):
Practice, field but it was very limited for a couple.
Yet so but again again this we're seen now In
Moni's Austin ford's three, drafts the emphasis on the defensive,
back whether that's, cornerback with that's. Safety SO i think
you're going to get every, year regardless of who you
have in the, room you're going to look at adding
(23:59):
to that cornerback room in a specific type of cornerback
with some size six feet six, two two hundred pounds
somewhere in that, range but a physical, corner not one
that's gonna shy away from contact and be in there
and make the.
Speaker 4 (24:15):
Tackle.
Speaker 3 (24:16):
Awesome fort said himself after the draft at a press,
conference you cannot have enough bodies in that cornerbacks. Room
they like competition. Everywhere they clearly really like. Competition they're
based on the moves they have made in previous.
Speaker 1 (24:27):
Drafts well at disappointed we didn't get more of an
explanation or an answer From will about wearing number.
Speaker 4 (24:35):
Zero not.
Speaker 1 (24:36):
Surprise my guess is as he gets more, comfortable maybe
we hear. Him he did. Smile it wasn't like he
didn't like the. Question he knew it was, coming but
he basically was, LIKE i wanted a single, digit and
he just kind.
Speaker 4 (24:50):
Of like left it.
Speaker 3 (24:51):
THERE i, mean, yeah we can say what we're, beating you,
know around the bush about right, now which was And
i'm not saying this is true because he didn't confirm
it either, way but a lot lot of players like
the numbers zero and then when asked about, it they
come out and, say that's how many Touchdowns i'm expecting
to allow this. Year if the roles were reversed and
he'd come in as a rookie and he had answered that,
question we probably would have been, thinking that's a pretty
(25:12):
big goal to have as a rookie when you haven't
step foot on the. Field Right it's, like either way
we'd be talking about. It SO i really don't have a.
PROBLEM i think it was actually probably the smart thing
for him to kind of leave it at. That, again
that might not be his reason for picking, zero but
if you're going to kind of look around the league
at what other dbs have, said about picking that. Number
(25:32):
that is typically where the conversation.
Speaker 1 (25:34):
Lands let's just say when you wear that, number or
you're assigned or you asked, for it does bring. Attention
there is now a spotlights on. You but again limited
interaction With. Will it doesn't seem like that's going to
face him one. BIT i, mean he played in Ann,
arbor The Big, house one hundred thousand plus Every, saturday
so he'll be just. Fine i'm very anxious to see
(25:58):
him on the.
Speaker 3 (25:58):
FOOTBALL i think that number is going to real good
on a jersey to on A. dB.
Speaker 1 (26:02):
Yes the other player that we heard from On, Thursday Cody,
simon AND i really like his mindset and, yeah you're
a fourth round. Pick didn't sound like a fourth round.
Picks sounded like someone who is ready to be A
day one, starter which again a steep, hill As Jonathan
gannon mentioned On, friday for all of these rookies to
(26:23):
come in and. Contribute but the fact that he has
experience as the quarterback of the defense with that in
helmet communication which was a first for college programs a year,
ago and someone that if he can learn the, PLAYBOOK
i think right next To Mac wilson, SENIOR i think
that's a great combination in the middle of that, defense
(26:44):
and we'll, see however many defensive linemen and edge rushers
we see on the field with those.
Speaker 3 (26:49):
Two it was interesting When gannon was asked about That
friday before, practice he made it seem like he doesn't
really think it's much of an advantage at. All maybe
a little because it's one year of, experience but you
have to think like it's a whole different ballgame out
here in the pros and the scheme and what's going
to be calling and the play calls, themselves and the
voice in his head and trying to keep up with
(27:11):
the speed of the game and doing everything that his
coaches are asking of. Him and then you're adding on
having this green dot and calling the. Defense it's. PLAUSIBLE
i think there's a very good reason why this team
drafted a middle linebacker who has at least some experience
calling the, defense because that has Been Kaiser white the
last two, years who remains a free agent and where
things stand right, now doesn't necessarily seem like he's going
(27:34):
to re sign with The. Cardinals it's still going to
be a. Competition The cardinals brought in a Keen Davis
gaither in the, offseason so that could be someone. THERE
i don't necessarily think it's going to Be Mac Wilson.
SENIOR i think they're going to like to keep him
as the will, linebacker have him rush off the edge
of a few times during a, game which he also really.
Likes but that's definitely something to keep an eye on
(27:54):
as we end closer to training. Camp and that's a
question is who's going to call the? Defense Is Cody
simon somebody who is able to pick up the playbook
and everything that comes along with adjusting to the speed
of the game to the point where as a Rookie
week one he could handle that.
Speaker 1 (28:09):
Responsibility we've learned in training camp that there are several
players that use that in helmet communication to make, Sure,
okay someone gets, hurt you got to be able to step.
In so a number of different players will have that
during training. Camp but to your, point, yeah do we
See cody really grasp that role and handle, it getting
(28:29):
the guys in front of, him the guys behind him
where they need to, be and not only, that but
do it in a fashion that is again quick and
you're not stuttering and you're not wasting even a half,
second but you get that call to everyone else a
drop of a, dime and all of a, sudden you're
(28:50):
ready well before the snap of the.
Speaker 3 (28:52):
Football maybe maybe that's an intangible of having the green
dot is having all off, season of getting that, confidence
of having the confidence that he has had this last
year At Ohio state to call the, defense to recite
the play call and say it with confidence and make
sure everybody is in the right. Position maybe that's something
(29:13):
that can carry over more so than just the logistical
aspect of.
Speaker 1 (29:16):
It anything else. Standouts, again we were out on the
football field for about twenty. Minutes it has been a
little while since we were on the football, field so
it is kind of nice to be outside knock on
wood outside when the weather is still normal triple, digits
which is going to be rather, soon and then there's
(29:36):
another break and then it'll be consistently one hundred and
five hundred and ten for the duration of the. Summer
so we.
Speaker 3 (29:42):
Find ourselves At State Farm stadium during.
Speaker 1 (29:44):
Training came with the.
Speaker 4 (29:45):
Roof.
Speaker 1 (29:45):
Yeah by the, WAY jg when he walked in basically
gave a synopsis of the next several months and the
way he talked, about, yeah you, know four weeks and
then After Memorial, day you, know ota, start and then
five weeks and then where's training? Camp and then on
the season. BEGINS i was, like, Whoa we're not even
in the middle Of may yet.
Speaker 3 (30:05):
You blink and it's.
Speaker 1 (30:06):
There that's kind of like The National Football.
Speaker 3 (30:09):
League how goes?
Speaker 4 (30:11):
All?
Speaker 1 (30:11):
Right, well we can reconvene after the. Weekend got any big.
Speaker 3 (30:16):
Plans nothing. Crazy relax that's the.
Speaker 1 (30:19):
Goal stay, cool that's an even Bigger it is good
to have players back in the building next, week rookies
and veterans on the field. Together Still phase. Two phase,
three which is oca's doesn't begin until After Memorial, day
but next week and the couple of weeks Before Memorial day,
(30:40):
weekend that's when you kind of get everyone. Together and
that's when well rookies get treated just like everyone, else
but they get the spotlight onto. Themselves here this weekend
with the building is theirs and theirs. Alone on that,
note we will put a lid on this edition Of
Cardinals cover two presented By hyundai probably partner of The Arizona.
Cardinals as, always special thanks to our executive Producer Jim
(31:02):
Mama Hundre our associate Producer Cody fincher For Danny, Surek
I'm craig Real. Lou we'll talk to you next time
here On Cardinals cover.
Speaker 4 (31:08):
Two
Meeting the twenty twenty five drift class. Welcome Bird Gang.
On today's show, Danny Surrek joins me. The two of
us are joined by Jordan Birch, the third round pick
out Oregon. He and the rest of the rookies are
in town for Rookie Minnie Camp. They were on the
field on Friday. So what do we see and what
do we hear from this year's draft class. It's Cardinals
Cover two, Episode eight eighty two, and it starts now.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Welcome to Cardinals Cover two.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
Food to Baker, what Heart? What rent? This guy's unbelievable.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Cardinals Cover two is presented by Hyundai, proud partner of
the Arizona Cardinals, and by Arizona Cardinals Podcast. Visit Azycardinals
dot com slash podcast.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
He's at the ten half of five. He's it again,
so more hurry magic.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Whow Here's Craigdriolu.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
Happy Friday, Danny, Happy Friday. I would say this is
a rare occurrence in the off season to have a
show on a Friday, But this is the second time
in three weeks we've had a Friday show. It does seem,
it does seem that it was a long time ago
that the draft was just a couple of weeks ago.
Yet at the same time it wasn't. Because now the
(01:21):
players are here. After talking about them for darn near
two weeks, they are finally in the building.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
The draft feels like way longer than just two weeks ago.
But yeah, this is the first look at rookies Rookie
Minni camp this weekend.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
Friday and Saturday. On the field. They arrived on Thursday,
and in the past Rookie Minni Camp was a lot
on the field, I mean, it was a full blown practice,
But as we heard from Jonathan Gannon earlier on Friday,
it's kind of more of an orientation. Hey, get to
know the building, get to know the people in the building.
(01:59):
Where do I need to be? Where are things? And
then you get a small taste, which we'll get into
a small taste of a NFL practice.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
To a certain extent, it's like orientation, Hey, this is
where the cafeteria is, this is how you get into
the locker room, this is how you get to the
colt up right, this is the weight room. Just kind
of getting situated, getting a feel for what a schedule's
going to look like, at least in the off season
with going through the playbook and getting out on the
field and lifting weights and just kind of getting familiar
(02:29):
with the staff that is also here. So that's really
what a lot of rookie mini camp has become. There's
a little bit of i should say activity on the field.
It's not we didn't at least see.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
A whole lot. You want to get into it stuff,
all right, Yes, it's not a full practice. The Cardinals rookies.
You're talking about the seven player draft class and the
six undrafted free agents, no trial players. So literally there
were thirteen players on the field and as a joke
to you as we walked out, the support staff I'm
(03:04):
talking about coaches, trainers, assistants probably outnumbered the players two
to one, three to one. It was. You want to
talk about one on one instruction like in a classroom setting,
smaller classrooms you kind of learn a little bit more
as opposed to the big lecture hall. These two days
(03:24):
are basically one on one instruction with your position coach.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
The first fifteen minutes media was out, there was watching
from the far field stretching, which it look is part
of what rookie mini camp is about, right, What are
the stretching lineups going to look like what can you
expect when you were out here going through a practice
with veterans and you are going full speed, so that
makes sense. And then we saw about five minutes of
(03:50):
the positions separated, which was we saw two defensive linemen, right,
we saw like four offensive linemen and they're not doing
anything super intense defensive line and we're doing some sled
work working with the dummies. It's just kind of getting
situated with what is the coaching staff going to ask
of you before these rookies are practicing with veterans, do
(04:11):
they have the foundation at least of what the form
is expected of them?
Speaker 1 (04:15):
And that was big because we were closer to where
both Walter Nolan and Elijah Simmons the two defensive lineman
and Simmons, yes, looks all the parts of six' one
three thirty, four but you had Coach, debo the d line,
coach And Nick rolis over there to the defensive coordinator
and to your, point it was, More, okay this is
(04:37):
the beginning steps of your. Footwork this is how we,
practice this is how we attack the. Sled it's about hand.
Placement some is new to these, players because every coach
teaches a little bit, differently and What Walter nolan the
third learned at Ole miss might be a little bit
different as far as what The cardinals ask of him
here as far as where you place your, feet where
(04:58):
you place your. Hands so a lot of a lot of,
LEARNING i, Think and it's, basically you, know start with
step one and then step, two and then you bring
it all together when you get assimilated with the veterans
who will be here next.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
Week so getting assimilated to the, heat that's. True now
some of the, players it's become a lot more. Common
there are just options out here in the valley to
train either for the combine or the couple weeks in.
Between so there are some of them that have experience
in the. Heat but that is also part of. It
as you're out there in the, sun you gotta get
used to.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
IT i, mean it was eighty. Eight it wasn't. Bad
there was a slight. Breeze now full, disclosure the media
is placed under the tree under some. Shade but it
wasn't too too, bad.
Speaker 3 (05:45):
No but that's part of. It in the next couple
of weeks and then you get into mini camp here In.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
June, NOW i thought you had the number one takeaway
of what we actually, saw and that was offensive Lineman
Hayden connor actually snapping the football when you had the
four offensive, now someone had to snap To Connor, singer
someone had to snap the. Ball and we Know hayden
has limited experience doing that in the playoffs because of
(06:14):
an injury situation At, texas and the other three offensive
linemen they're all.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
TACKLES i said That moore is a little tongue in
cheek of let's not jump the conclusions from what we
saw the first time the rookie stepped on the. Field
it was probably more so you need somebody to snap the,
ball and he has at least some experience. There that
was please don't take that.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Seriously but it's again that, versatility and, yes if you're
practicing at a certain, position it means, that, hey in a. Pinch,
NO i don't Expect Hayden connor to be the backup
to yell to, froll but he does have that. Experience
and when you got other three offensive linemen who probably
have never snapped the, football you don't want someone to
snap The, now my biggest takeaway was the hummingbird that
(06:58):
kept floating around. Us and that was basically for the
first fifteen minutes as we watched team. Stretch was the
excitement of rookie.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
Minting, yeah it was, nice, nice a little bit of nature,
there all.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
Right AS i mentioned off the, Top danny AND i
had the chance to talk With Jordan, birch the team's
new outside. LINEBACKER i do think it's important to note
that again this is the first for, everyone and again
we heard From jordan after the draft and the conference,
call but we got to here from them a little
bit more here in studio with. Us so not sure
(07:34):
if you saw this after your name was announced as
The cardinals pick in the third, round but your head,
Coach Dan lanning At oregon posted this on social. Media
cardinals got a game. Wrecker you're? Smiling, Yeah does that
accurately describe your? Game?
Speaker 4 (07:50):
Oh, yeah? Sure why, WELL i would say my time At,
oregon anything they, know any position they put me, AT
i was able to learn. It and then you Know
rick have from that position and So, landing he kind
of you, know taught me the ins and. Outs but
whenever he needs on the, FIELD i can go do.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
It jordan you're In arizona now for mini. Camp what
have you learned so? Far because it's it's kind of like, orientation,
Right is that a fair way to describe it for
what you're kind of learning out?
Speaker 4 (08:17):
Here, YEAH i say so so. Far you, know learning
the you, know the way around the. Building you, know
you can get lost cause the first day here and
then trying to. Learn you, know my position coach has
been pretty good at teaching me what to do on
the field and off the. Field so just honeing in
and listening to what they have for.
Speaker 1 (08:34):
Me you mentioned on the conference call that your first
impression of this coaching staff was laid back and. Chill
what specifically gave you that vibe when you met whether
it WAS jag Or Nick rollis or your position.
Speaker 4 (08:49):
Coach, yeah, well starting from the. Top WHEN i met WITH,
jg he like kicked his feet. Up he was just
telling me like when you come in as a, rookie you,
know this is what you have to, do you, know
get your work. Done it wasn't like a you, know
yelling and you, know getting on me at all. Times
it was just, like you, know you know what to,
do you know what position you? Play just get it,
done and then down the, line like all the, coaches
(09:11):
just instilling with the playbooks supposed to be and how
it's supposed to look on the.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
Field you might have been the first person to Describe
gannon as chill or laid, back because everyone always says
he's high, energy but he said on the field he's high.
Energy but you might have been the first person to
describe him as laid back and.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Chill, YEAH i MEAN i can. SEE i can tell
it's from today how he. Was he was all around
watching and you, know give him, tips SO i can
kind of see the energy coming. Out but WHEN i
was on my, visit he was kind of like a,
cool mellow.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
Guy you haven't had a chance to work out with veterans,
yet but you are entering a pretty veteran heavy. Room
that was an area of emphasis this offseason for this.
Organization so what are you wanting to learn from the
first couple of days or weeks from the veterans in your?
Speaker 4 (09:55):
Room, Yeah i'll, say how how does a veteran carry
yourself throughout the, building his day in and day, out his?
Preparation how how does he go through his day learning?
Playbooks so just you, know asking questions when they get
here and you, know trying to figure out what's the
best THING i can do.
Speaker 1 (10:10):
Now one of those. VETERANS i don't know IF i
would quite call him a veteran, yet But Xavier thomas
someone you're familiar with high school. Teammates what is he
told you in the lead up to your arrival here
as far as the, area the, team any advice you
got from?
Speaker 4 (10:26):
Him, yeah just be. Prepared you, know he came in last,
year he had to be prepared and you, know learn a.
Lot so just having that mindset to never feel like
you got, it but you, know come every day to
learn and just you, know be ready at all.
Speaker 1 (10:38):
Times curious who was the better athlete in high? School
me for?
Speaker 4 (10:43):
Sure, okay just gotta make sure most definitely mean you
ask him me for.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
Sure is there a funny moment or favorite moment from
high school football with the two of, you because you
joked in your post draft conference call about the two
of you lining up against high school offensive lineman and
it wasn't much of a.
Speaker 4 (10:59):
Competition, YEAH i, MEAN i don't think there was anything,
funny but just like you, know us being on the
field at the same. TIME i had to learn a
lot from, Him like when the college coaches came to
watch him, play they would see me out, there so
he kind of helped a. Lot but just having him
around was a great.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
EXPERIENCE i also read you lettered in basketball and was
actually recruited By South carolina to be a two. Sport
did it ever get to where you were on the
basketball court At South?
Speaker 4 (11:22):
Carolina, NO i never went out. THERE i was trying
to learn my playbook from football. FIRST i, just you,
know left.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
Alone what made you go the football route versus?
Speaker 4 (11:32):
BASKETBALL i THINK i was doing. Better so in high
SCHOOL i was playing. Receiver they SAID i was too,
slow SO i moved to d N, well football came
around like it wasn't the. Same SO i, just you,
know left it.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
Alone when you're working on getting familiar with this, organization the,
expectations learning your way around the building and the playbook
and the, scheme and what's going to be asked of,
You what does a typical day look like for? You
and in terms of learning the, playbook is that something
you're just constantly looking through it or are you asking?
Questions are, you you, know going through the motions on the,
(12:08):
field what does that process look like to?
Speaker 4 (12:10):
You, YEAH i try to ask a lot of questions
SO i can get it BEFORE i go on to the.
Field but it's just Like i'm in the. HALLWAY i
got time to step through WHAT i need to step,
through or ask the coach to walk it through for.
Me but just making SURE i have BEFORE i go,
out there's the main thing for.
Speaker 1 (12:24):
Me how difficult or different or difficult is AN nfl
playbook versus a college?
Speaker 4 (12:30):
PLAYBOOK i, say it's a lot of. Similarities like if
you know where it's coming, from you kind of can
figure out what the guys next thing he's. Doing if
you're to the, boundary you're to the, field just you,
know figuring out what the guys around you're doing or
help you out a. Lot so it's kind of a
lot of.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
Similarities there's a lot of life changes going on Of,
okay you're moving on from college and you get drafted
and now you're thrown out, here and have you ever
been To arizona before even coming out here for Rookie Minni.
Speaker 4 (12:55):
Caamp i've been To arizona a few times AND i
was training out, here SO i was down the, street
SO i got used to the weather a little, bit
but it's different when he might take.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
You a little.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
Bit but there's a lot of changes going, on not
just as a professional football, player but also kind of
as a person right living somewhere. New how have you
gone ABOUT i know it hasn't been a long, time
but how have you gone about adjusting to everything going?
Speaker 4 (13:17):
ON i mean just asking the people Around So i've
been asking the coaches or people that you know live,
here like what's the best plots to be? In you,
KNOW i got a former teammate on the, team SO
i was just, like where SHOULD i go or different
things like. That so just trying to get used to
it and asking everybody around me how long did it
take them to get used to the.
Speaker 3 (13:33):
Area when you're looking for new restaurants or, stuff do
you have a favorite type of food that you're going
to go looking for?
Speaker 4 (13:39):
FIRST i Like italian, food so that'll probably be.
Speaker 3 (13:42):
Okay so if anyone Has italian, recommendations Let jorde, know no.
Speaker 1 (13:46):
PLEASE i started this conversation off about asking about your.
Game we've seen you in a three point, Stance we've
seen you stand up on the. Edge what do you
like about both having the hand in the dirt and
then standing up ready to.
Speaker 4 (14:00):
Go i'll, say standing up you can see more of
what's going. On so if a guy's coming back or
they shift the running, back you can kind of see
what's going. On three point, stance it's kind of like
a loaded. Stance you're just you, know getting off the. Rock,
SO i, MEAN i had had fun doing. BOTH i
really did enjoy. It but you, know it's kind of
the same growing.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
Up who was a player or team that you watched a.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
LOT i didn't really watch too much too MUCH. NFL
i watched a little. BIT i think the two thousand
and nine when The cardinals. Played that was my First
Super bowl, ever like sat down and. Watched so other than,
THAT i don't really have like a specific.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
Team you mentioned earlier that you were too slow to
play wide. RECEIVER i wouldn't categorize you as slow coming
off the. Edge and then obviously what went viral was
the thirty six yard punt return or fake. Punt have
you had a chance to talk with special teams Coordinator
Jeff rodgers about potentially being in the mix as far
(14:56):
as special teams and showing the ability to run and
actually break tackles as a running.
Speaker 4 (15:02):
Back, Yeah i've been in there trying to learn the special.
Teams we haven't talked about any you, know fakes or anything,
running but you, Know i'm just trying to get the
play With.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
Now you, are you, know not given expectations per, Se,
Right you're just trying to do your job and learn
the playbook and be prepared out on the. Field but
what have you gathered from pre draft conversations talking to
players who have been, here maybe what you have seen
from watching any bit of The cardinals that you have
of what the expectations are when playing For Jonathan. Gannon,
(15:31):
yeah LIKE i.
Speaker 4 (15:32):
Said, earlier coming in every day and never feel like
you got. It just be able to learn and adapt
to what's going on throughout the. Day just be prepared
so when they call your name you get that opportunity
to step on the. Field just be, ready you, know
be able to do your.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
Job how much do you think you are? Ready, again
we're talking about here In, may but season begins In.
September what are your own personal expectations for year?
Speaker 4 (15:55):
One, yeah be able to do whatever they need me to.
Do rather that special team. Defense so when the coach
puts me out. There you, KNOW i know What i'm.
Doing just help the team. Out just be that. Guddess
go make a play on, defense make a play on special,
teams and just you, know when they need, me just
be able to do.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
It hasn't been a lot of time with the, rookies
but as you guys are spending time together now the
last couple of, days any are you able to describe
any any general personalities or what the rookie class as
a whole might be.
Speaker 4 (16:25):
Like not, really everybody, Really, yeah there has been pretty
quiet and trying to, learn like personality is about to come.
Speaker 1 (16:32):
Out so you need to get The Ohio state guys
to kind of separate from themselves and kind of you,
know they've been talking a little.
Speaker 4 (16:38):
Bit everybody.
Speaker 3 (16:38):
Will johnson's probably ready to help you separate.
Speaker 1 (16:40):
Them i'm.
Speaker 3 (16:41):
Sure, Yeah.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
JORDAN a pleasure to have you here in, STUDIO a
pleasure to have you on the. Team look forward to
seeing what you can do on the football field real.
Speaker 4 (16:49):
Soon, sure thank.
Speaker 1 (16:50):
You AS i mentioned to, Him danny very anxious to
See Jordan birch on the field given just how one
third round, pick but his side and his his need
at that outside linebacker. Position, yeah you do have A Josh,
sweat you Resign Baron. Browning but, again an edge, rusher
a young edge. Rusher we'll have to wait and see
(17:12):
how healthy Bjo julari is when we see him on
the football. Field but As jordan, said, hey it's come,
in it's, wreckavoc it's get after the quarterback and whatever
the coaching staff wants us or wants me to.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
Do six four two seventy. Nine and that's an interesting
position group to come in because there is some veteran presence,
there Right Josh, SWEAT i Mean Zavin collins has been
in that room for a couple of years. Now B
Joe julari expected to come back and be. Healthy he
still has the, opportunity Though birch, does to come in
and be a game changer and have a role in that.
(17:47):
Room so just because he's a rookie and there's you
know a handful of players above him in the depth
chart right, now there's still an opportunity for him to
come in and have a role as a, rookie especially
with a rotation that likes to be. Used Now i'm
curious the rotation with somebody like a sweat and is
it more so rotation opposite of. Him that's something that
is only going to come with time as we get
(18:07):
into training camp and maybe. Preseason probably won't play so
more so the start of the regular. Season but it's
an interesting spot For birch to be in because there's
plenty of veterans for him to learn, from which is
something he talked about wanting to do here in these
next couple. Weeks there's still the opportunity, though for him
to come in and make an.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
IMPACT i think it's important because he's not going to
be thrust into the starting lineup if he earns his
way there, perfect but based off everyone else in that,
room he can come in and kind of gradually get
ready and then be that guy maybe on obvious passing
situation third and long and just come in as, okay right,
now my job is to beat the person in front of,
(18:46):
me get into the, backfield get after the, quarterback and
wreck havoc and then over, Time, yes you have to
be able to set the, edge you have to be
able to be good in the run, game maybe even drop,
back so you're not it's not a tell when a
certain player on the, Field oh, well we know he's
on the field because he's just gonna go get at the.
Speaker 3 (19:04):
Quarterback, absolutely that's a great spot for rookie to be.
In you have the opportunity to come in and wreck the,
game and you also have the opportunity to not feel
that pressure and have enough veteran presence to learn.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
From and it's important that all of these. Rookies and
we did see a little bit out on the field
again the brief period of time that we were out,
there but Both jordan And Cody simon were working With Jeff.
Rodgers it looked like it was more on field goal
protection as far as, again if you have a uniform
on game day and you want to be able to
(19:37):
be on the field offensively or. DEFENSIVELY a lot of
these players are going to learn special teams for the first. Time,
Now jordan does have, experience not as much as A Keaton,
crawford but probably more so than some of these players
coming from big school programs where you're too. Valuable we
can't waste. You we can't waste your reps on special
teams when you're such a dominant player on.
Speaker 3 (19:58):
Defense that's part of the evaluation process is when you
just have the rookies out here try and get an early.
Feel what do you feel like they could be impactful
with on this, team and maybe that's something on special,
teams not a blanket. Statement if you can play everything
on special. Teams that's part of what this rookie mini
camp weekend is also.
Speaker 1 (20:15):
About by the, way congratulations To. Jordan, Also Denzel, Burke Hayden,
Connor Keaton crawford all have signed four year contracts their
first contracts in THE. Nfl so it's three players still
left to be left to be. Signed and it's not
like it was once upon a time where it was a,
long drag out. Process you're seeing this across the. League
(20:39):
once these rookies get in the, building before they step
on the, field even for rookie mini, caamp they are
signing on the line that is dotted and those, issues
if you, will or that extra step in order to
become a pro is done and taken care. Of SO
i would Expect Walter, Nolan Will, JOHNSON i would expect
that to get done sooner rather than, later maybe even
(21:01):
before the end of this.
Speaker 3 (21:02):
Weekend it's not something to start questioning or getting up
in arms about and thinking there's some underlying issue going on.
There i'm right there with.
Speaker 1 (21:11):
You speaking Of Will, johnson we heard from him On,
thursday and a much different Sounding Will johnson than the
last time everyone had a chance to hear from, him
and that was immediately after he was selected in the second.
Round and obviously the, disappointment the, frustration the, anger that
(21:31):
was not what we heard On. Thursday and, yes he acknowledged.
That it's, motivation but he's been able to move. On
he's in the building and now it's just about learning the,
playbook getting on the field and proving, Everyone, hey, YEAH
i should have been a first round. Pick without him
saying it. Anymore.
Speaker 3 (21:51):
Great you know, what as A, dB you want to
have that trip on your, shoulder you want to have
that little extra. Swag, Great i'm all for. It i'm
not surprised he feels like he should have been a
first round. Pick that's where a lot of mock drafts had.
Him the reality is he wasn't. Right he ended up
here In, arizona and SO i like what his message,
was which was now That i'm, here and now That
(22:13):
i'm in the, building it's time to get to. Work
it's no longer time to think about WHERE i was,
drafted WHERE i felt LIKE i should have been. Drafted
these things all end up having a way where they
work out the way they are meant, to And Will
johnson has the, opportunity similar To Jordan, birch maybe even more,
so to come into a position room and really fight
for a big role on this.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
DEFENSE i thought it was interesting he called this, scheme
this defense a cornerback's, dream and again looking at it
from his, perspective come in right away and whether you're
starting or not a rotation at, cornerback there's no reason
Why Will johnson can't be on that field week one,
(22:56):
again whether he's starting or, not but being able to
contribute right.
Speaker 3 (22:59):
AWAY i agree with you. Wholeheartedly we saw that last
year With Max. Melton he wasn't, starting he was on
a bit of a rotation later on in the season
With Star thomas got a lot of good. Reps SO
i could absolutely see that be the pipeline For johnson as.
WELL i think it's going to be. COMPETITION i think
there's a chance That johnson is a starter week, one
(23:22):
has earned that. ROLE i think it's going to be great.
Competition though specifically with the younger players Of thomas And,
melton and.
Speaker 1 (23:28):
Don't forget About Elijah, jones who again third round, pick
who we hardly saw last year.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
Because really at all SEE i Mean hardley was.
Speaker 1 (23:38):
Practice, field but it was very limited for a couple.
Yet so but again again this we're seen now In
Moni's Austin ford's three, drafts the emphasis on the defensive,
back whether that's, cornerback with that's. Safety SO i think
you're going to get every, year regardless of who you
have in the, room you're going to look at adding
(23:59):
to that cornerback room in a specific type of cornerback
with some size six feet six, two two hundred pounds
somewhere in that, range but a physical, corner not one
that's gonna shy away from contact and be in there
and make the.
Speaker 4 (24:15):
Tackle.
Speaker 3 (24:16):
Awesome fort said himself after the draft at a press,
conference you cannot have enough bodies in that cornerbacks. Room
they like competition. Everywhere they clearly really like. Competition they're
based on the moves they have made in previous.
Speaker 1 (24:27):
Drafts well at disappointed we didn't get more of an
explanation or an answer From will about wearing number.
Speaker 4 (24:35):
Zero not.
Speaker 1 (24:36):
Surprise my guess is as he gets more, comfortable maybe
we hear. Him he did. Smile it wasn't like he
didn't like the. Question he knew it was, coming but
he basically was, LIKE i wanted a single, digit and
he just kind.
Speaker 4 (24:50):
Of like left it.
Speaker 3 (24:51):
THERE i, mean, yeah we can say what we're, beating you,
know around the bush about right, now which was And
i'm not saying this is true because he didn't confirm
it either, way but a lot lot of players like
the numbers zero and then when asked about, it they
come out and, say that's how many Touchdowns i'm expecting
to allow this. Year if the roles were reversed and
he'd come in as a rookie and he had answered that,
question we probably would have been, thinking that's a pretty
(25:12):
big goal to have as a rookie when you haven't
step foot on the. Field Right it's, like either way
we'd be talking about. It SO i really don't have a.
PROBLEM i think it was actually probably the smart thing
for him to kind of leave it at. That, again
that might not be his reason for picking, zero but
if you're going to kind of look around the league
at what other dbs have, said about picking that. Number
(25:32):
that is typically where the conversation.
Speaker 1 (25:34):
Lands let's just say when you wear that, number or
you're assigned or you asked, for it does bring. Attention
there is now a spotlights on. You but again limited
interaction With. Will it doesn't seem like that's going to
face him one. BIT i, mean he played in Ann,
arbor The Big, house one hundred thousand plus Every, saturday
so he'll be just. Fine i'm very anxious to see
(25:58):
him on the.
Speaker 3 (25:58):
FOOTBALL i think that number is going to real good
on a jersey to on A. dB.
Speaker 1 (26:02):
Yes the other player that we heard from On, Thursday Cody,
simon AND i really like his mindset and, yeah you're
a fourth round. Pick didn't sound like a fourth round.
Picks sounded like someone who is ready to be A
day one, starter which again a steep, hill As Jonathan
gannon mentioned On, friday for all of these rookies to
(26:23):
come in and. Contribute but the fact that he has
experience as the quarterback of the defense with that in
helmet communication which was a first for college programs a year,
ago and someone that if he can learn the, PLAYBOOK
i think right next To Mac wilson, SENIOR i think
that's a great combination in the middle of that, defense
(26:44):
and we'll, see however many defensive linemen and edge rushers
we see on the field with those.
Speaker 3 (26:49):
Two it was interesting When gannon was asked about That
friday before, practice he made it seem like he doesn't
really think it's much of an advantage at. All maybe
a little because it's one year of, experience but you
have to think like it's a whole different ballgame out
here in the pros and the scheme and what's going
to be calling and the play calls, themselves and the
voice in his head and trying to keep up with
(27:11):
the speed of the game and doing everything that his
coaches are asking of. Him and then you're adding on
having this green dot and calling the. Defense it's. PLAUSIBLE
i think there's a very good reason why this team
drafted a middle linebacker who has at least some experience
calling the, defense because that has Been Kaiser white the
last two, years who remains a free agent and where
things stand right, now doesn't necessarily seem like he's going
(27:34):
to re sign with The. Cardinals it's still going to
be a. Competition The cardinals brought in a Keen Davis
gaither in the, offseason so that could be someone. THERE
i don't necessarily think it's going to Be Mac Wilson.
SENIOR i think they're going to like to keep him
as the will, linebacker have him rush off the edge
of a few times during a, game which he also really.
Likes but that's definitely something to keep an eye on
(27:54):
as we end closer to training. Camp and that's a
question is who's going to call the? Defense Is Cody
simon somebody who is able to pick up the playbook
and everything that comes along with adjusting to the speed
of the game to the point where as a Rookie
week one he could handle that.
Speaker 1 (28:09):
Responsibility we've learned in training camp that there are several
players that use that in helmet communication to make, Sure,
okay someone gets, hurt you got to be able to step.
In so a number of different players will have that
during training. Camp but to your, point, yeah do we
See cody really grasp that role and handle, it getting
(28:29):
the guys in front of, him the guys behind him
where they need to, be and not only, that but
do it in a fashion that is again quick and
you're not stuttering and you're not wasting even a half,
second but you get that call to everyone else a
drop of a, dime and all of a, sudden you're
(28:50):
ready well before the snap of the.
Speaker 3 (28:52):
Football maybe maybe that's an intangible of having the green
dot is having all off, season of getting that, confidence
of having the confidence that he has had this last
year At Ohio state to call the, defense to recite
the play call and say it with confidence and make
sure everybody is in the right. Position maybe that's something
(29:13):
that can carry over more so than just the logistical
aspect of.
Speaker 1 (29:16):
It anything else. Standouts, again we were out on the
football field for about twenty. Minutes it has been a
little while since we were on the football, field so
it is kind of nice to be outside knock on
wood outside when the weather is still normal triple, digits
which is going to be rather, soon and then there's
(29:36):
another break and then it'll be consistently one hundred and
five hundred and ten for the duration of the. Summer
so we.
Speaker 3 (29:42):
Find ourselves At State Farm stadium during.
Speaker 1 (29:44):
Training came with the.
Speaker 4 (29:45):
Roof.
Speaker 1 (29:45):
Yeah by the, WAY jg when he walked in basically
gave a synopsis of the next several months and the
way he talked, about, yeah you, know four weeks and
then After Memorial, day you, know ota, start and then
five weeks and then where's training? Camp and then on
the season. BEGINS i was, like, Whoa we're not even
in the middle Of may yet.
Speaker 3 (30:05):
You blink and it's.
Speaker 1 (30:06):
There that's kind of like The National Football.
Speaker 3 (30:09):
League how goes?
Speaker 4 (30:11):
All?
Speaker 1 (30:11):
Right, well we can reconvene after the. Weekend got any big.
Speaker 3 (30:16):
Plans nothing. Crazy relax that's the.
Speaker 1 (30:19):
Goal stay, cool that's an even Bigger it is good
to have players back in the building next, week rookies
and veterans on the field. Together Still phase. Two phase,
three which is oca's doesn't begin until After Memorial, day
but next week and the couple of weeks Before Memorial day,
(30:40):
weekend that's when you kind of get everyone. Together and
that's when well rookies get treated just like everyone, else
but they get the spotlight onto. Themselves here this weekend
with the building is theirs and theirs. Alone on that,
note we will put a lid on this edition Of
Cardinals cover two presented By hyundai probably partner of The Arizona.
Cardinals as, always special thanks to our executive Producer Jim
(31:02):
Mama Hundre our associate Producer Cody fincher For Danny, Surek
I'm craig Real. Lou we'll talk to you next time
here On Cardinals cover.
Speaker 4 (31:08):
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