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Any surprises? Cardinals release 1st depth chart of 2017 season

Posted at 1:47 PM, Jul 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-28 16:47:10-04

The Arizona Cardinals released their first depth chart of the season heading into next week's preseason opener vs. the Dallas Cowboys.

While there aren't many surprises on this chart, here are a few items of note:

-Haason Reddick, the Cardinals' first pick in the 2017 draft, is listed as the team's No. 1 "dollar" linebacker. Last year's starter, Deone Bucannon, is on the physically unable to perform list after undergoing ankle surgery in the spring. Bucannon could be healthy in time for the regular-season opener, but Cardinals coach Bruce Arians has been impressed with Reddick so far during training camp.

-Linebacker and former Arizona Wildcats standout Scooby Wright III is listed as the No. 2 "dollar" linebacker behind Reddick. Wright was picked by the Browns in the seventh round of the 2016 draft but was released by Cleveland and acquired by the Cardinals late last season. Arians has spoken highly of the Wright, and the 6-foot-1, 247-pounder looks to have an excellent chance to make the Cardinals' 53-man regular-season roster.

-Running back Chris Johnson, whom the Cardinals re-signed to a 1-year deal last week, is listed as the team's co-No. 2 RB alongside fifth-year pro Kerwynn Williams. The 31-year-old Johnson has rushed for 909 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons (15 games) with the Cardinals; the 26-year-old Williams has rushed for 545 yards and three touchdowns in three seasons (21 games) in Arizona.

-Andre Ellington, the Cardinals' former starting running back, is buried on the RB depth chart. At this point, Ellington, who was briefly moved to the wide receiver position during the offseason before being moved back to RB, seems unlikely to make the 53-man roster.

-Josh Mauro is listed as a starting defensive tackle alongside veteran Frostee Rucker. Mauro, who went undrafted in 2014, had a career-high 32 tackles last season. He would essentially replace Pro Bowl DL Calais Campbell, who left the Cards via free agency after last season.

-John Brown is listed as a starter at wide receiver alongside Larry Fitzgerald. Brown essentially replaces Michael Floyd, who was released following his DUI arrest in Scottsdale late last season. Brown has dealt with multiple health concerns in the past year but is reportedly feeling better heading into this season, though he might miss the team's preseason opener with a strained quad.

-Sixth-year pro and special-teams star Justin Bethel is listed as the team's starter at cornerback opposite perennial Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson. Second-year pro Brandon Williams, who lost the starting CB job early last season, is listed behind Bethel. The Cardinals may still sign a veteran free agent to compete for that job.

The Cardinals will open preseason play against the Dallas Cowboys in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio on Thursday.