The idea for every NFL team is to draft players who eventually grow into important cogs for the team if not foundational pieces. Often that means a start on special teams, a spot that a lot of college stars do not have to deal with until they become pros.
It can lead to pushback once in a while, or uncomfortability in the least. So special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers likes to give tangible examples of a success story.
Recently in a punt meeting at camp, Rodgers pulled up a 2023 play of Trey McBride to show everyone. Now McBride is a Pro Bowl tight end. Then he was left guard on the punt cover.
“They held the hell out of him and he got off the block and ended up making the tackle,” Rodgers said. “That resonates.”
The Cardinals and Rodgers need some new “special” pieces. Gone are Zach Pascal, Krys Barnes, Jesse Luketa, Dennis Gardeck and Victor Dimukeje, all of whom were significant special teams fixtures. As the teams get into preseason games — and in a year where the kickoff rules have again been tweaked to generate even more returns — finding out who can man those units will be crucial.
There was a reason the Cardinals took safety Kitan Crawford in the seventh round of the draft. A four-year player at Texas who transferred for a fifth season at Nevada in order to get more defensive playing time, Crawford built his football resume on his special teams excellence.
Rodgers, who has relationships at Texas, was well aware of Crawford before he even got to Reno. Crawford, whom defensive coordinator Nick Rallis has named as someone who has done well in his defensive work, is in a crowded safeties room. His special teams acumen might give him a roster edge.
“Not necessarily,” Crawford said. “I know I have to earn my spot regardless. Every day I’m just coming to work.”
Rodgers likes Crawford’s experience, but he also notes that “ball is ball” and players can adapt to special teams. The coaches try to make comparisons on certain plays of special teams to what a player might do on a a block or tackle to help the transition.
Crawford considers why he has excelled on special teams. His answer is simple.
“Mentally I just adopted the mindset, it’s just one play,” he said, “so why not go 100 percent?”
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