Bigger and stronger MHJ, significant D-Line upgrade, Benson breakout catch the eye

Darren Urban

Kyler Murray said it was "unfortunate" that the Cardinals were breaking for the summer after their minicamp wrapped up last week, and while the sentiment is encouraging, it's safe to say the players mostly do want and need a break before reporting to training camp in late July.

But even in their time away, coach Jonathan Gannon believes the work cannot stop.

Gannon said he wants his team to "come back better football players."

"There is a lot they can work on as far as their development as players on and off the field. That's the expectation," he said. "I don't want these guys to show up the same as when they left, or you're going to be behind."

The fruits of that effort won't be seen until camp starts. But there was plenty of other takeaways from what the Cardinals did this offseason:

The Muscles Of MHJ

The Media Day photo of Marvin Harrison Jr. was just the exclamation point on a storyline about the second-year wide receiver. There was already going to be a spotlight on Harrison and the need for him to up his level of production in 2025. Little can really be known about that in May or June, when defenses can't really cover pass catchers tightly and the quarterback knows he'll never be pressured. But Harrison's efforts daily in the facilitywas easy to see in his physique, and the hope is that it is a harbinger for more.

Noticing The New D-Line

That the media gets to stand 10 feet or so away from where the defensive line holds their drills during a practice certainly helps when it comes to being front of mind. But the way the Cardinals have re-stacked the DL room would be noticed from a field away. The immense size, the quickness and power especially of their two recent first-round picks is undeniable. The line can't be completely vetted until the pads come on and the offense can block, but certainly the vibes are immaculate.

Youth Is Really Served At Cornerback

I'm not sure the injury to Sean Murphy-Bunting really impacted what the Cardinals would ultimately do at cornerback. There is a reason GM Monti Ossenfort has spent so much time and draft capital on the position. Garrett Williams has already established himself as a starter. The Cardinals spent their past two second-round picks at corner in Max Melton and Will Johnson. Starling Thomas V has earned significant playing time, and the Cardinals still have hopes for Elijah Jones. The experience isn't there yet, but the talent should be.

Running It Back At Receiver

Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, Zay Jones and perhaps Xavier Weaver. Those were the wideouts in play last season. Those appear to be the same ones in play this season (with Simi Fehoko potentially playing the role of Zach Pascal.) All along, the most crucial part of the Cardinals receiving corps was Harrison in particular making a jump in Year Two, like his father did, like Larry Fitzgerald did. Trey McBridewill remain a huge part of the passing offense, as he should. Wilson noted that the wideouts need to be better with run after catch, and there are factors there beyond just the receivers. But it's unlikely there will be some significant addition to the room. These are the guys. This is who must perform.

New Coaches, New Voices

There are a handful of new faces on the coaching staff, including offensive line coach Justin Frye and defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere III and while it's not unusual to see enthusiasm in the offseason from all the coaches, the energy was obvious. DeLattiboudere, or Coach Debo, is only 27, so yes, seeing him in the middle of drills is not a surprise. But new blood on the staff usually helps, and every position that has a new voice looks like it has embraced the change.

Mack Can Rap, And The Closeness Of The Team

The off-field highlight of the offseason wasMack Wilson Sr.s rap songs and accompanying videoto push the schedule release, but beyond Wilson's rapping talents, it was also a moment to see teammates join in to take part in the video. Like Wilson's charity basketball game, or Kyler Murray's charity softball game, or just the chemistry built during the offseason program, the Cardinals have come across as close-knit. That should carry over.

Trey Bien For Benson

James Conner had his best season a year ago and signed a contract extension, and he is RB1. But last year, rookie running back Trey Benson was starting to look a lot like Conner late in the season before he was derailed by an ankle injury. Benson is back, healthy, confident, and eager to make the same kind of jump expected from Marvin Harrison Jr. Jonathan Gannon expressed the idea Benson could be a second RB1 for the Cardinals, and the message got across.

"I feel like we can have two RB1s on this team, and that's my mindset this year is two RB1s," Benson said during minicamp. For a team that wants to run a lot, that'd be a next-level advantage.

Brissett Creates New Dynamic For Kyler

Kyler Murray smiled when he said new quarterback Jacoby Brissett had pushed him already and didn't come in to be a backup. That can only help Murray grow as a starter, and also feel a little heat that he really hasn't before, which would keep the bar high during the season. And if Murray were to get banged up for a week or two, having an experienced No. 2 like Brissett can keep hope afloat.