Kirby Wilson, who coaches the running backs, approached Isaac Redman before camp's first practice to let him know he has an opportunity this summer to carve out a niche for himself.
Although Redman thought he had done that last season, and the fans almost picketed in his favor, he did not make the team and spent most of the season on the practice squad.
"He said the ball's in my court," said Redman, an undrafted rookie in 2009 from Bowie State in Maryland. "It's up to me whether I make this team or not and I just have to find that niche or whatever it is."
He did so well carving one out last summer that he quickly became known as "Red Zone" for his success near the goal line. During last camp's first goal-line drill, he scored on his only two carries. Then, in the first preseason game, he scored touchdowns from 3 and 5 yards against the Cardinals.
This would give Redman some value in scoring leagues, but more importantly, it appears if he wins the job it will hurt the value of Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall is rated as the 7th-best RB at 4for4 and has an ADP of the early second round. But, if he's not going to get the TD opportunities in close, he could get bumped down.
Cardinals news
