Cardinals' Tryout Players at Rookie Mini-Camp

[Mitch]

I have been trying to find out who the 17 tryout players are at the mini-camp. I have only learned of three of them---and here's what I know:

QB Tyler Lantrip, 6-4, 238, Nevada.

* Was recruited by Arizona State and some other big schools, but committed to Nevada, yet had to wait for his turn behind Colin Kaepernick.

* Tough first few starts this year versus a brutal non-conference schedule versus the likes of Oregon and Boise St.

* Was benched in favor of a redshirt freshman---but then come in in a game versus Idaho and went 24/31/340 yds./4 TDs/0 ints, earning WAC Player of the Week Honors.

* Was leading the offense on a 65 yard possible game winning drive at Utah St., but fumbled on an option run at the 7 yards line and Utah St. recovered.

* Suffered a concussion in Nevada's 24-17 Bowl loss to Mississippi St.

* Finished the season passing at 61.3% for 1,553 yards, 10 TDs, 6 ints.

* Ran 4.66 and a 6.95 triple cone at his Pro Day at 6-4, 238 pounds.

Comment: I spent about an hour watching his tapes and I saw a lot of upside in Lantrip. Stands tall in the pocket---has a very strong arm---wasn't ideally suited for Nevada's quirky needle offense because he's not a speedy rusher---although on a few occasions I saw him make good, tough-nosed 3rd down conversion runs. Gets the ball out quickly and accurately on short passes---I was very impressed with his ability to turn his shoulders on the move and throw accurately to the left. From what I saw this young man has the skills to play effectively in a Pro Style offense.

RB Javarris James, 6-0, 228, Miami (Fla).

* Rushed for 2,162 yds. and 18 TDs at Miami (career).

* Played for the Colts in 2010---went 46/112 yds/6 TDs/caught 9/63 yds.

Comment: was used in short-yardage and goal-line situations for the Colts and was effective in that role. Not a burner, but a solid, tough runner with blocking ability and receiver skills. Was arrested for marijuana possession in 2011, which may have cost him a return to an NFL roster.

WR Khalil Paden, 6-0, 185, Norther Arizona.

* Had 6 100 yard games this past season.

* Finished as the NAU's top receiver at 61/991/8 TDs.

* Elected to miss his graduation in order to tryout for the Cardinals this weekend.

Comment: having read a nice article about him, he seems like a great kid---hate to see him have to miss his graduation, but this young man is hoping he will make a string enough impression to land him a UCFA contract. On tape he looks like a good route runner (good fakes)---looks strong---and had good RAC ability. Looks like he could be a factor in the slot.

If you know of any of the other 14 players at camp on tryouts, please let us know!

 

[Lagerfilled]

Darron Thomas - QB Oregon

 

[juza76]

mitch u desertve darren urban place...is not your job but u give more information then him and komers combined

i have one player to add:
keola antolin rb arizona 5'8'' 195lb

 

[gmabel830]

Urban just posted an article that mentioned the following players in for tryout (Two K/P - yay!!). Hope this helps!

– Besides (Javarris) James,the other 15 players trying out are: K/P Ricky Schmitt, QB Tyler Lantrip, WR Keenan Burton, K/P Brody McKnight, LB Liko Satele, CB Randall Burden, RB Keola Antolin, S Danyae Coleman, S Eddie Elder, LB Richetti Jones, CB Larry Parker, S Kenji Jackson, DE Everrette Thompson, DE Tom Nardo and DE Tevita Finau.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

I thnk Javarris James is Edgerin James family member, if I remember correctly.

 

[Jetstream Green]

I think he is James cousin

 

[Krangodnzr]

Urban just posted an article that mentioned the following players in for tryout (Two K/P - yay!!). Hope this helps!

– Besides (Javarris) James,the other 15 players trying out are: K/P Ricky Schmitt, QB Tyler Lantrip, WR Keenan Burton, K/P Brody McKnight, LB Liko Satele, CB Randall Burden, RB Keola Antolin, S Danyae Coleman, S Eddie Elder, LB Richetti Jones, CB Larry Parker, S Kenji Jackson, DE Everrette Thompson, DE Tom Nardo and DE Tevita Finau.

Yeah I asked him to on Twitter

 

[Cards Czar]

K/P - Ricky Schmitt - 6-3, 217 - last played for S.D.
K/P - Brody McKnight - Montana, 6-0,204.

WR - Keenan Burton - 6-0, 202, last played for STL.

QB - Tyler Lantrip - Nevada, 6-4, 210.

RB - Keola Antolin - Arizona, 5-7, 196.

LB - Liko Satele - Hawaii, 6-2, 260.
LB - Richetti Jones - Ok St, 6-3, 275.

CB - Randall Burden - Kentucky, 6-0, 183.
CB - Larry Parker - SD St., 5-11, 180.

DE - Everrette Thompson - Washington, 6-5, 265.
DE - Tom Nardo - Iowa, 6-2, 283.
DE - Tevita Finau - Utah, 6-4,283.

S - Danyae Coleman - N.M. St, 5-10,187.
SS - Eddie Elder - Arizona St., 5-10, 185.
SS - Kenji jackson - Missouri - 5-10, 195.

 

[PDXChris]

I watched Lantrip several times. He has one thing and was brought in for just that reason. He has a strong accurate arm and that is all. He has no vision or football IQ at all. He is here to get the several WR enough reps to get comfortable for OTA's

 

[Jetstream Green]

wait though.... you said the magic word banky....he has a ACCURATE arm!

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Javarris James has long admired his uncle, Edgerrin. He followed in Edge's footsteps when he attended the University of Miami, and did it again when he played in 2010 with the Indianapolis Colts and now — at least potentially — has a chance to follow him with the Arizona Cardinals.

Javarris James is one of 16 players working with the Cards during minicamp on a tryout basis. The Cards could probably use another running back this offseason, with both Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams coming back from leg injuries. He gained 112 yards on 46 carries for the Colts a couple of years ago in 10 games, and even if he were signed would be an incredible longshot to make the roster.

http://blog.azcardinals.com/2012/05/12/on-a-tryout-another-james-in-the-locker-room/

 

[Cards Czar]

K/P - Ricky Schmitt - 6-3, 217 - last played for S.D.
K/P - Brody McKnight - Montana, 6-0,204.

WR - Keenan Burton - 6-0, 202, last played for STL.

QB - Tyler Lantrip - Nevada, 6-4, 210.

RB - Keola Antolin - Arizona, 5-7, 196.

LB - Liko Satele - Hawaii, 6-2, 260.
LB - Richetti Jones - Ok St, 6-3, 275.

CB - Randall Burden - Kentucky, 6-0, 183.
CB - Larry Parker - SD St., 5-11, 180.

DE - Everrette Thompson - Washington, 6-5, 265.
DE - Tom Nardo - Iowa, 6-2, 283.
DE - Tevita Finau - Utah, 6-4,283.

S - Danyae Coleman - N.M. St, 5-10,187.
SS - Eddie Elder - Arizona St., 5-10, 185.
SS - Kenji jackson - Missouri - 5-10, 195.

The 3 that I am most interested in seeing how thy do, are the following:

LB - Richetti Jones - Ok St, 6-3, 275.
DE - Tevita Finau - Utah, 6-4,283.
SS - Kenji jackson - Missouri - 5-10, 195.

 

[Duckjake]

The 3 that I am most interested in seeing how thy do, are the following:

LB - Richetti Jones - Ok St, 6-3, 275.
DE - Tevita Finau - Utah, 6-4,283.
SS - Kenji jackson - Missouri - 5-10, 195.

I was under the impression that Richetti Jones had signed a UDFA deal. Guess not.

He's also more of a 3-4 DE from what I've seen of him.

 

[Heucrazy]

Lantrip is awful.

 

[Southpaw]

Did LaRon Byrd WR make it to camp?

 

[Mitch]

Was a busy day yesterday---I was able to watch some film on the other tryout players---but I didn't have the time after that to post. So here are my notes:

P Ricky Schmitt, 6-3, 217, Shepherd.

In 2008, for SF, punted 3/43.7 with a long of 54 and the other two dropping them inside the 20. Made 3/4 FG, the one miss was a blocked kick.

One scouting report on him stated that he was a "master of the directional punt."

Comment: Cardinals have always liked this kid---and he fits the criteria they look for in a punter. I think they will sign him to compete with Zastudil.

K Brody McKnight, 6-0, 204, Montana.

Vancouver native and a 1st round 2011 draft pick of the Montreal Alouettes.

Best game in college: school record 6/6 FGs (24,21,51,30,36,24) versus Western Oregon.

Career FGs: 35/46. Long of 54.

Head coach at Montana named him the Team MVP---"he's automatic" the coach said.

Comment: I really like the way this kid leans into his kicks---he gets the ball up quickly and it almost always seems right down the middle. Reminds me a lot of Mike Nugent. There are 5 roster spots open---give him one.

RB Keola Antolin, 5-7, 196, Arizona.

Plays fast---looks like Darren Sproles---not a great deal of wiggle, but fast, fast fast and a good receiver out of the backfield. Will hit the holes hard---had a very good junior year, but struggled as a senior (behind suspect o-line).

Career: rushing: 500/2398/26 TDs...receiving: 77/508/3.

Surprisingly strong lower body and legs---put up 20 reps, ran a 4.54, but plays faster than that---a real adrenaline player.

Comment: We need another RB in camp with 5 pre-season games to play---Antolin is an intriguing player because he's a good spread RB. Looks like he has enough upside to warrant a spot on the 90 man roster---it will be interesting to see whether he or Javarris James gets a contract.

LB Liko Satele, 6-2, 260, Hawaii.

Was a DE at Hawaii---and a bull rusher type who didn't put up good stats---and curiously only did 13 reps at 225. Looks slower than what you want---has some short area quickness, but a switch to 34 OLB would seem awkward for him. Looks a little like Niko Noga.

CB Larry Parker, 5-11, 180, San Diego St.

1st Team All-Mountain West---56 t, 6 ints, 3 ff, 1 fr---

Plays press CB---and is very aggressive---a real ballhawk---takes some gambles but usually wins them---needs to look back for the ball more often---when he does he's an interception waiting to happen because he locates the ball quickly, tracks it well and has very good ball skills.

Comment: Parker jumped out on tape to me and I would be surprised if he wasn't offered a contract.

DE Everrette Thompson, 6-5, 265, Washington.

Won UW's Lifting Award

Put up 26 reps, ran a 5.07 and an impressive 7.10 3 cone at his Pro Day.

Good athlete---41 t, 2 sacks, 5 tfl in 2011---

Good STs player---blocked 2 PATs versus Hawaii.

Comment: I had trouble finding much tape on him. I watched a good deal of their crazy bowl game with Baylor---pleased to see T Senio Kelemete playing so well and leading UW to 56 points---but Thomspon, on the many plays I saw did not look like much of a factor, and his defense gave up over 60 points.

DE Tom Nardo, 6-2, 283, Iowa.

Fascinating story---a kid from Lancaster PA who turned down a scholarship back in the East to go walk on at Iowa.

Emerged this season as a leader and stalwart player...68 t, 6.5 tfl, 1/2 sack, 2 pbu, 2 pd.

Did 28 reps.

Comment: Wouldn't seem to fit the Cardinals' profile as a 34 DE...they seem to like leaner more athletic DEs---the coaches at Iowa rave about Nardo, so who knows? It must have been tough for him not being able to show his game in pads---that's when his light bulb goes on.

S Danyae Coleman, 5-10, 187, New Mexico St.

Outstanding leader---really gets after it and fires his teammates up to do the same.

Hadn't had one interception prior to his senior year last year, but made a great on in the first game versus Ohio to seal the victory and went on the pick of 6 passes--and make 133 tackles.

All-WAC 1st team 2011.

Comment: Loved watching this kid play his heart out---and he gives a great interview---he got me fired up just listening to him. I am hoping that the Cardinals sign him to the 90 man roster---he needs weight training if he is ever going to make a run at at NFL roster---but the instincts and the desire are there. Funny---he said in an interview it's all about "getting your mind right."

SS Kenji Jackson, 5-10, 195, Missouri.

This kid is a physical stud---totally chiseled, ran 4.59 40, put up 21 reps and ran a 6.85 3 cone.

Hard hitter on the field---very good STs and quickness to the ball. Pummels people on sideline tackles.

2010 stats: 66 t, 2 int, 5 pbu.

2011 stats: 76 t, 3 int, 4 pbus---Honorable mention All-Big 12.

Comment: I am surprised this kid didn't get drafted and very surprised he still isn't signed. he is a true box safety with a nose for the ball---probably questioned for cover skills and lacking ideal height---but this kid can play.

WR Keenan Burton, 6-0, 202, Kentucky.

Drafted by STL, 6th or 7th round in 2008---caught 13/172/13.2/1 TD as a rookie and 25/253/10.1/0 TD in 2009.

Career at Kentucky: 189/2376/12,6/25 TDs.

Possession type---not very fast, and not especially physical---needs to prove that he can be physical and generate some solid RACs.

My favorite of the group: CB Larry Parker. I watched a 4-5 game stretch of his versus teams like Michigan where he was involved in 6 turnovers. This kid can play.

 

[b8rtm8nn]

From Urban's blog:

The Cardinals brought in 16 players for tryouts this past rookie minicamp weekend. They decided to keep around four of them, including running back Javarris James. The other three were kicker/punter Ricky Schmitt, safety Eddie Elder and cornerback Larry Parker.

 

[Mitch]

From Urban's blog:

The Cardinals brought in 16 players for tryouts this past rookie minicamp weekend. They decided to keep around four of them, including running back Javarris James. The other three were kicker/punter Ricky Schmitt, safety Eddie Elder and cornerback Larry Parker.

That's right about what I thought...I had:

1. Parker
2. Schmitt
3. Either James or Antolin
4. Either Elder (whom I wrote up in my first UCFA thread) or Jackson from Missouri....if Coleman had better muscle, he would have been in the mix as well.

 

[JAB]

Darron Thomas - QB Oregon

I was shocked when I heard he entered the draft. I'm a huge Oregon ducks fan I don't know who is giving him advice, but it wasn't good. The guy is highly inaccurate and runs a specialty offense and has a week arm. He's an excellent quarterback for their system but if he wanted any chance of getting drafted he needed to play another year in Oregon and work on his accuracy and arm strength.

 

[Krangodnzr]

As far as Antolin goes, Mitch, I wholeheartedly disagree. I wasn't intrigued with his potential as a college player. He was very much a fringe starter at U of A.

Eddie Elder played pretty well at times for ASU last year. He's small, but he plays bigger than his size and he seemed to make a lot of oportunistic plays. I doubt he sticks, but he should be good camp fodder.

 

[Krangodnzr]

I was shocked when I heard he entered the draft. I'm a huge Oregon ducks fan I don't know who is giving him advice, but it wasn't good. The guy is highly inaccurate and runs a specialty offense and has a week arm. He's an excellent quarterback for their system but if he wanted any chance of getting drafted he needed to play another year in Oregon and work on his accuracy and arm strength.

Oregon's backup Bryan Bennett is going to tear it up. That dude is FAST. Ridiculous athlete; I don't think Oregon is going to miss Thomas.

 

[Mitch]

As far as Antolin goes, Mitch, I wholeheartedly disagree. I wasn't intrigued with his potential as a college player. He was very much a fringe starter at U of A.

Eddie Elder played pretty well at times for ASU last year. He's small, but he plays bigger than his size and he seemed to make a lot of oportunistic plays. I doubt he sticks, but he should be good camp fodder.

Yeah, Krang, it was tough to evaluate Antolin because he was great one play and not so great the next---which doesn't translate well into the NFL---but he really hit some plays to the point where you say, man, he can bring it.

I really liked what I saw in Elder and your assessment of him is spot-on. I think he's got a legitimate chance after a year on the PS.

 

[JAB]

Oregon's backup Bryan Bennett is going to tear it up. That dude is FAST. Ridiculous athlete; I don't think Oregon is going to miss Thomas.

I don't know if you remember Dennis Dixon but everyone's talking Marcus Mariota has that caliber and better Bryan Bennett might not even win the job. I believe Oregon would have won the national championship that year if he did not injure his leg. The thought of having another quarterback run that system with his skill set should scare the hell out of the rest of the pack 12. Anyway you look at it Oregon is set at quarterback.

 

[Krangodnzr]

I don't know if you remember Dennis Dixon but everyone's talking Marcus Mariota has that caliber and better Bryan Bennett might not even win the job. I believe Oregon would have won the national championship that year if he did not injure his leg. The thought of having another quarterback run that system with his skill set should scare the hell out of the rest of the pack 12. Anyway you look at it Oregon is set at quarterback.

I know when we (ASU) played Oregon last season, we were winning the game until Bryan Bennett came in. Sounds like Oregon will continue it's winning ways.

The "Black Mamba" is ridiculous too. That guy is fast! Makes everyone else look like they aren't even moving.

 

[Chopper0080]

Oregon's backup Bryan Bennett is going to tear it up. That dude is FAST. Ridiculous athlete; I don't think Oregon is going to miss Thomas.

I agree. I think he fits their offense better than Darron Thomas did as he is a more willing runner. Thomas has never been the same running threat since he was injured.