Arizona’s second preseason clash with Denver centers on the Cardinals evaluating a bulk of depth pieces while starters sit. Clayton Tune is the focal point after halftime, auditioning for NFL teams as a potential practice-squad candidate or late waiver claim behind Jacoby Brissett. Simi Fehoko brings a guaranteed-money edge and length, while Xavier Weaver has flashed during the opener and remains in a tight roster duel for the fifth or sixth WR spots. Up front, undrafted Josh Fryar and edge players Jordan Burch and Xavier Thomas could seize snaps with Jones’ injury creating opportunities. At corner, Elijah Jones, Kei’Tre Clark, and Denzel Burke are battling for remaining roles, while BJ Ojulari’s PUP status could tilt the competition. The game doubles as a roster-barometer for the Cardinals’ depth chart and a glance at Broncos’ readiness for Week 1 depth.

The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for the 2025 season with a closer look at their roster, focusing on the promising talents of outside linebacker Xavier Thomas. Selected in the fifth round of the 2024 draft out of Clemson, Thomas has shown potential despite a slow start in his rookie year. In 14 games, he logged 208 defensive snaps, recording 2.5 sacks, four quarterback hits, and a forced fumble. As he enters his second year, expectations are high for his development and impact on a competitive edge-rusher group.

Thomas's contract details reveal a base salary of $960,000 for the current season, with a salary-cap charge of just over a million. The Cardinals are keen on seeing significant growth from him as he contends for a more substantial role within the defensive unit. His performance in camp will be critical to determining his standing on the depth chart and overall impact in 2025.

With just 54 days until the Arizona Cardinals commence their 2025 season against the New Orleans Saints, a nostalgic look back reveals the impactful players who have donned the No. 54 jersey. Current linebacker Xavier Thomas, a second-year player from the 2024 draft, carries this legacy forward.

The history of No. 54 for the Cardinals is rich, featuring prominent figures such as Dwight Freeney, known for his Hall of Fame career, and Gerald Hayes, a key defensive player in the early 2000s. Others include Kenny Demens and Sio Moore, who also made their marks in various capacities. This lineage highlights both the depth and evolution of the Cardinals' defense over the years.

The Arizona Cardinals are focused on building for the future with their 2024 draft class, which includes intriguing players like fifth-round pick Xavier Thomas. As he enters his second year in 2025, Thomas' performance will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. Despite playing 14 games in his rookie season, his statistics reveal a player still finding his rhythm on the field.

In the 2024 season, Thomas participated in a rotational role on defense, totaling 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks. His ability to contribute effectively will be essential as he looks to solidify his place on the team. The Cardinals hope he can transition into a more impactful player in 2025 as competition for roster spots intensifies.

The Arizona Cardinals have seen a mixed bag of success with their fifth-round picks over the past decade. While they haven't landed any standout players, the selections have generally been competent, with players like safety Deionte Thompson emerging as a notable success. Recent draft choices like Clayton Tune and Owen Pappoe reflect a cautious optimism, though both are still carving out their roles in the league. The Cardinals, who have selections across all rounds in the upcoming 2025 draft, have managed to avoid any significant busts, contributing to a depth that could pay dividends in future seasons.