NFL Nation

          Cards Mailbag: Defensive line rotation taking shape

          Welcome to #CardsMailbag, a weekly installment that allows you to ask me questions about the Arizona Cardinals throughout the week via Twitter@joshweinfuss. I'll answer them every week during training camp. Make sure to use the hashtag #CardsMailbag.

          @joshweinfuss Without a doubt, I see Corey Peters' defensive tackle/nose tackle job being Rodney Gunter's to lose. The Cardinals are high on him, and he has the talent to warrant their affection. Gunter played in place of Peters on Saturday night against San Diego and I'd expect that to continue.

          @joshweinfuss I think it's realistic because Arizona will have enough depth to trade players without hurting its continuity. Last Monday, general manager Steve Keim said there are four to six players who could be picked up by other NFL teams after cuts. I could see any combination of those being traded before the season.

          @joshweinfuss I'm going to guess you're talking about receiver John Brown, so I'll say this is a tough answer. Each has their long-term upside. Michael Floyd has prototypical receiver size and will find a spot on a roster for years. Brown has the speed that makes him valuable now but if that starts to decline, then Floyd will be the better long-term player.

          @joshweinfuss I think the main reason is that Evan Mathis is a premier left guard. And the Cardinals already have one. I doubt Mathis will want to sign for a few weeks and then be sent back onto the free-agent streets. And he made $5.2 million last year, which the Cardinals don't want to pay a part-time backup.

          @joshweinfuss Yes, for a couple of reasons. First, the Cardinals have other speed to return kicks -- faster speed than Andre Ellington. Second, I don't think Andre Ellington's touches will go down. His carries might but he'll be getting the touches in other ways.

          @joshweinfuss No, on both sides of the ball. The defensive line is deep enough to withstand losing Corey Peters, as it showed Saturday night by limiting San Diego to 13 rushing yards. As for the offensive line, I can't see Arizona giving a roster spot to someone for just a few weeks while Mike Iupati heals from knee surgery when they have Ted Larsen, who started every game last season.

          @joshweinfuss I think we got a good look at what the defensive-line rotation will be like during Saturday night's game. DT Frostee Rucker and DE Calais Campbell will likely be staples on first and second downs, along with Rodney Gunter. Beyond them the rotation can go deep with Matt Shaughnessy, Xavier Williams, Alameda Ta'amu, Cory Redding, Josh Mauro and Ed Stinson. All included, that's nine linemen. If Arians wants depth, they all might make the roster.