The Cardinals haven’t had the best of luck with second-round picks in recent years, with both RB J.J. Arrington (2005) and DT Alan Branch (2007) most notably failing to live up to expectations. After suffering a dislocated wrist in the second preseason game that is expected to take 4-6 months to heal sufficiently and being placed on injured reserve, it appears ’09 second-rounder Cody Brown can be added to the list. Brown, a defensive end in college who is being converted to outside linebacker, was expected to be worked into the lineup gradually this season behind veterans Chike Okeafor and Clark Haggans, with most of his playing time figuring to come on special teams and in occasional sub packages. “But the lack of practice time will hurt him,” one team insider said. “He had displayed some flashes getting to the quarterback in one-on-one drills, but he hardly stood out and was actually running neck-and-neck with (‘09 sixth-rounder) Will Davis on the depth chart.”   

Kickoff is coming! Be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com.