NFC Notes: Cardinals, Rams, Saints

Cardinals

Cardinals HC Steve Wilks said Wednesday that newly acquired CB Jamar Taylor is the “favorite” to open as the team’s starting cornerback opposite to Patrick Peterson.

“I think when you look at what he’s done on paper, I think you can say that (he’s the favorite),” Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks said, via the Associated Press, “but once we get out on the field, it’s a clean slate for everybody.”

“I’ve always got 100 percent confidence in myself,” Taylor said. “But at the same time, you’ve got to put the work in. You can’t just come in here and be like oh, you’re going to be the guy. There’s a ton of guys in here that are really good. I’ve been watching the last couple of days. I just have to come in here and make sure I’m doing my job so I get that opportunity.”

Rams

• According to Vincent Bonsignore, the “sense” around the Rams is that the team will have younger inside linebackers compete for the starting role vacated by Alec Ogletree, but that could change if the team shows “legit interest” in free agent ILB Mychal Kendricks.
• We have Kendricksfeatured in our Top 50 Available 2018 NFL Free Agents list.

Saints

Saints HC Sean Payton told reporters on Thursday that suspended RB Mark Ingram will be in attendance for the start of mandatory minicamp, even though he has skipped voluntary workouts up to this point.

“He won’t miss the mandatory minicamp,” Payton said, via NFL.com. “He’s indicated he’ll be here for that.”

“I do know he’s someone who knows what we’re doing and I’m sure is staying in shape,” Payton added.

• Payton said WR Cameron Meredith is “way ahead of schedule” with his recovery from a torn ACL. (Josh Katzenstein)
• Bob Rose of CanalStreetChronicles.com takes a look at four players for the Saints that must step up in 2018 to make the team including CB Arthur Maulet, DE Al-Quadin Muhammad, RB Trey Edmunds and WR Travin Dural.