2012 Arizona Cardinals: Grading the Rookies on the Roster so Far

It's time to break out the grade book and see which Cardinals rookies are making the grade so far in camp. No one is getting any A's as of yet but lower grades might be given out.

Justin Bethel, Safety

Bethel showed his play-making ability by blocking a field goal against the Saints. He got around the edge and kept the Cardinals within a possession. He also hustled downfield and decimated a New Orleans returner on a punt. This is why he was drafted. B+

LaRon Byrd, Wide Receiver

Made a nice play to get out of traffic and double-coverage against the Saints for a 10-yard gain in the third quarter. He finished with four catches for 54 yards. B-

Jared Crank, Fullback

Crank left the game against the Saints with a neck injury and was flown back to Phoenix for further evaluation. Incomplete

Eddie Elder, Defensive Back

Elder had a vicious hit on Andy Tanner of the Saints but didn't show much else. C

Jamell Fleming, Cornerback

Had a nice play early in the fourth quarter to blow up a screen pass the Saints tried on 3rd-and-23. Because Fleming got behind the lead blockers, the runner stumbled and only gained five yards. B-

Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver

Caught one pass for 15 yards against New Orleans. Didn't see any playing time with the first unit. He works hard in camp but let's see how it translates onto the field. B

Blake Gideon, Defensive Back

Gideon made an interception in the end zone to kill a New Orleans drive. B+

Tre Gray, Wide Receiver

Fumbled a punt return out of bounds in the fourth quarter. Didn't get a pass thrown his way. C-

Senio Kelemete, Guard

He didn't get beaten badly like Massie while blocking but didn't do anything spectacular either. C

Ryan Lindley, Quarterback

Lindley looked good in his first action hitting 10-of-21 for 118 yards. The only downside was that he threw an interception in the game's final minutes. B-

Bobby Massie, Offensive Tackle

Massie got beaten cleanly by a Saint with a couple minutes left in the first half that led to Richard Bartel getting sacked. Massie gave a little shove but then let the rusher go unabated to Bartel. He got burned on an up-and-under move early in the third quarter that led to another sack. D

Zack Nash, Defensive Line

Nash has been slowed by an ankle injury and missed the Hall of Fame Game. Incomplete.

Larry Parker, Defensive Back

Showed great athleticism by diving to nearly make a fourth-quarter interception in the Hall Of Fame Game. The ball was ruled to hit the ground but was an amazing effort. B for the hustle.

Scott Wedige, Center 

Came in the game late in the third quarter and kept Lindley upright. C

James Nixon, Defensive Back, Marcus McGraw, Linebacker, Colin Parker, Linebacker, Nate Potter, Offensive Tackle, Everette Thompson, Defensive End, Paul Vassallo, Linebacker, DJ Young, Offensive Tackle and Gino Crump, Wide Receiver

They all get incomplete grades. They haven't seen any time in the Hall of Fame Game and haven't heard much about their progress so far in camp.

The rookie class has another chance to raise their grades with Friday's second game of the preseason at Kansas City.