PHX Reporter

Now that the Cardinals' offseason work has concluded, the players are out of the facility. Many have stated that these next few weeks aren't time off from football but time away from the facility, hoping players remain locked in and prepared to report to Glendale for training camp on July 23. In the meantime, azcardinals.com will evaluate each position group prior to camp.

Next up is wide receiver.

LOCKS: Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch

When the fourth overall selection is used on a player with the caliber of Marvin Harrison Jr., he should be on the "lock" list for years to come. It's no secret how much of an impact Harrison is expected to make on the Cardinals roster. As quarterback Kyler Murray told the media, even when No. 18 "isn't open, he's open." Towards the end of OTAs, Harrison was already taking reps as WR1.

Michael Wilson has said that the most important number for him in 2024 is 17, with the stat belonging in the games played category. When he's out on the gridiron, Wilson is a difference maker. Over 13 games, Wilson averaged nearly 15 yards per reception. The 2023 third-rounder for the Cardinals has spent a lot of time throughout the offseason working with Murray off campus. The chemistry that continues to be forged between them will help come September.

Midway through the 2023 season, Jonathan Gannon was asked what more he needs to see from Greg Dortch to ensure he sees the field more often. "Consistency" was his response. The Cardinals re-signed Dortch for the 2024 season and since then, he has received praise from Gannon and Murray, even with QB1 saying he'd "go to war" with Dortch. Considering his potential abilities with the new kickoff format, it appears like this 5-foot-7 wide receiver is a lock to make the roster.

WORK TO DO: Zay Jones, Chris Moore, Zach Pascal, Tejhaun Palmer, Xavier Weaver, Dan Chisena, Andre Baccellia, Jeff Smith, Daniel Arias

It's worth emphasizing that a few players in this category will make the roster in 2024. There's a belief that players like Zay Jones and Chris Moore could be on the plane flying to Buffalo for the season opener. The Cardinals also used their final draft day pick on Tejhaun Palmer in the sixth round and signed Xavier Weaver as an undrafted rookie free agent.

With a heavy emphasis on tight ends in Drew Petzing's offense, each wide receiver will compete for snaps. Due to their stout running game, wide receivers are expected to excel in blocking as well. If a receiver can bring that aspect to their game, they could certainly be in contention for one of the 53 roster spots.

UPGRADE ODDS: Low

When comparing last year's roster to this upcoming one, multiple players in this category would have likely played meaningful snaps last season. General manager Monti Ossenfort emphasized upgrading through free agency and drafting new talent at this position group heading into training camp.