Gabe

Watson

We previously thought Watson was playing overweight at 340, but it turns out he was an unruly 360. The Cardinals brought in major competition in the form of first-round pick Dan Williams, a battle we expect Watson to lose. And he’ll also have to beat out veteran Bryan Robinson, something he’s struggled to do in the past. Watson knows he’s no lock to make the team.

A blow to Arizona’s run defense, which already projects to be less than potent. Branch was pushing Gabe Watson hard at nose tackle and figured to play a good number of snaps against the 49ers. Frank Gore should run wild.

Clancy received $3.5 million to sign a year ago, but is better suited to be a quality backup than a starter. Look for his old team, the Giants, to show immediate interest. Brown’s future is less certain, but he’ll probably get a job somewhere. Gabe Watson has moved into Clancy’s old starting job.

He’ll probably lose the job to Alan Branch sooner than later, but Watson should remain a key part of the Cardinals’ rotation as they convert to a 3-4.

In terms of upside, the Cardinals got a steal in Branch. The team also has expressed no medical concerns with the former Michigan standout’s legs, which were a topic of debate around the draft. Branch will battle his former college teammate Gabe Watson to occupy the nose in Arizona’s new 3-4.

Watson lost his starting job to trusty vet Bryan Robinson last year, but remains Arizona’s best long-term bet at nose tackle. The 6'3/332-pounder is light years ahead of Alan Branch and will push Robinson hard all summer.

Arizona would prefer Gabe Watson or Alan Branch win the job, but Watson is dealing with ongoing knee woes and Branch is shaping up as a bust. Robinson, 35, started almost all last year, recording 20 tackles and a sack.

Watson fractured his knee cap in a treadmill accident last year and played through the injury with pins digging into his tendon. His recent surgery was the second in two years. The surgery will hurt his chances of reclaiming his starting job from Bryan Robinson.

DT Alan Branch (ankle) did not practice, while DT Gabe Watson and C Al Johnson worked on rehab drills. All three will likely miss Sunday’s game if they can’t fully practice Wednesday.