The Cardinals didn’t spend a fifth-round pick on Reggie Virgil expecting him to walk straight into a featured role. But one big practice can change how a rookie looks on the depth chart, and Virgil just had one of those days.
On Monday, Arizona Sports’ Tyler Drake posted a clip on X showing Virgil hauling in a one-handed catch during the Cardinals’ two-minute drill. The grab picked up a first down, and Virgil quickly got back into position for the next snap.
That highlight was part of a strong showing with rookie quarterback Carson Beck. Virgil reportedly found the end zone multiple times during 11-on-11 work, including on a 40-yard connection and another deep ball he secured in stride.
Reggie Virgil with the catch of Cardinals training camp so far
SHEESH pic.twitter.com/Vjecr2V5yb
- Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 4, 2026
The 22-year-old arrived in Arizona as the No. 143 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after one season at Texas Tech. Before that, he spent three years at Miami (Ohio). At the combine, the 6-foot-3, 187-pound receiver ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash and posted a 36-inch vertical jump.
His college production backs up the kind of downfield flashes he showed in camp. At Miami (Ohio) in 2024, Virgil caught 41 passes for 816 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 19.9 yards per catch. Six of those scores went for at least 20 yards.
He carried that momentum to Texas Tech in 2025, where he led the team with 57 receptions for 705 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games. He also caught multiple passes in every game and finished his college career with at least two receptions in 23 straight appearances.
Even with that résumé, Virgil still has plenty of work ahead of him in Arizona. The Cardinals already have Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson and Kendrick Bourne as their top receiving options, and the team’s official depth chart places Virgil behind Wilson and Simi Fehoko.
That leaves the rookie fighting for a role through preseason work, situational snaps and special teams while competing with Fehoko, Xavier Weaver, Devin Duvernay, Jalen Brooks and Ihmir Smith-Marsette.
For now, Virgil is still a long shot to crack the offensive rotation. But Monday’s session gave Arizona something to watch. His size, burst and college track record make him an interesting developmental piece, and if those practice flashes keep showing up, the rookie could work his way into the Cardinals’ receiver mix.
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