Amir Carlisle was not drafted in the seven rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft, but the Arizona Cardinals quickly swooped in and signed him after the draft. He wasn’t a huge name coming into the draft, but he is ready to step up and prove his NFL talent with the chance that the Cardinals have given him.
There is no guarantee that Carlisle will end up making the final roster for the Cardinals, but there are reasons to believe that he has a chance.
Last season as a member of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Carlisle caught 31 passes for 351 yards and a touchdown. He also returned eight kickoffs for 156 yards.
Looking ahead at the future for Carlisle, there is no telling what his role will be. He could end up being a wide receiver, special teams threat, or a number of other possible options. Bruce Arians is without question the best coach in the league at helping players find roles and that is exactly what will help Carlisle.
He is expected to be more of a slot receiver in the NFL than anything else. Carlisle has above average speed and is an excellent route runner. There is no question that he has the athleticism and physical ability to play at the next level.
All of that being said, Carlisle took the time to do an exclusive interview with us and we hope that you enjoy it and follow along as he takes the next step in his career.
Q. What was the draft process like for you? How do you feel now being a part of the Arizona Cardinals?
A. It was a fun process. I had the opportunity to train in Arizona. Met a lot of good guys out there. Pro day was exhilarating, having the opportunity to perform in front of so many NFL personnel. I’m extremely excited to be apart of such a great program, and I can’t wait to get to work.
Q. What will you bring to the field for the Cardinals? Tell us about your game for fans who haven’t seen or heard much about you.
A. I think I can add a versatile element. I can line up in the backfield as a running back, run both inside and outside the tackles. As well as lining up as a receiver having the ability to run the route tree.
Q. Is there a current NFL receiver that you would compare your game to?
A. A receiver I’ve always looked up to, studied, and tried to incorporate components of his game into mine, is Percy Harvin.
Q. Looking ahead at training camp, what are your goals and what have you been told by the coaching staff about your chances to make the team?
A. My goal is to get better every single day. The coaches have told me I have the opportunity to compete, and that is the very thing I will do.
Q. Where do you think your skill-set fits the best with the Cardinals? Do you see yourself as a returning threat on special teams?
A. I’m willing to take advantage of any opportunity presented to me, whether in the return game, coverage, taking hand offs, and/or catching passes.
Q. How excited are you to play alongside of Larry Fitzgerald and learn from a player of his caliber?
A. Extremely excited, once in the life time opportunity to be in the presence of a future Hall of Famer and have the opportunity to be under his tutelage. I’m a sponge just trying to soak up everything.
Q. What would you like to say to the Arizona fan base in closing?
A. Hard hat on, lunch pail in hand. It’s time to go to work!
Expect to see Carlisle come out with strong showings in training camp and preseason action. He is without question talented enough to make the roster and he has the work ethic and attitude that will turn him into a fan favorite.
Make sure to follow Carlisle in the next step of his career and don’t be surprised if he makes the Cardinals’ final roster and works himself into a role fairly early on in his career.
