TEMPE, Ariz. -- There may not be a member of the Arizona Cardinals' latest draft class who is in a better position to see significant playing time than fifth-round running back T.J. Logan.
The University of North Carolina product enters a running back room that's deep on talent (read: David Johnson) but short on bodies (read: only Kerwynn Williams and Andre Ellington are likely to make the roster, though Eli Penny could with an impressive spring and fall). Logan has an opportunity to earn snaps as Johnson's backup with a strong showing in organized team activities, minicamp and training camp. He's versatile and dynamic, cut in the cloth of Ellington, who'll be used primarily as a running back, according to coach Bruce Arians. Another reason why Logan could make the roster is because of his ability as a returner. With the Cardinals wanting to move Patrick Peterson away from returning punts, Logan will compete to be both the kick and punt returner when camp begins.
Where he fits: Logan could find a role as the Ying to David Johnson's Yang. He could take reps as the between-the-tackle toter but he can also run routes out of the backfield and line up in the slot. What could help Logan stay on the field when Johnson needs a spell is that versatility. Logan will also be looked at as a punt and kicker returner, likely competing with J.J. Nelson, Jeremy Ross and Brittan Golden as a receiver.
What he said: "Definitely catching the ball out of the backfield, maybe getting in there," Logan said. "I know they have some older guys in the backfield that I will be able to learn from. But they really want me to get out there and catch some kicks and learn how to punt return because I didn't do a lot of that in college. Really just make plays and get different matchups against linebackers and things like that."
What they said: "Not only did his foot speed and explosiveness excite us, but the things he can do in our offense where we ask our backs out of the backfield to catch the football," general manager Steve Keim said. "When you watch tape of T.J., he really jumps out at you with the flare routes and some of the things he does in space with his straight-line speed, his explosiveness and his ability to return kicks."