Arizona Cardinals

Rookie J.J. Nelson making impression in training camp

Published Aug. 13, 2015 12:42 p.m. ET

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Looks like Carson Palmer will have another speedy wideout at his disposal in 2015.

Last year it was John Brown; this season it looks to be J.J. Nelson.

Nelson, the Cardinals' fifth-round selection out of UAB, ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Per his NFL.com draft profile: "Rail-thin slot receiver at the next level, but missing the suddenness and "after-the-catch" talent desired for that position. Getting drafted might be a long shot, but his kick-return numbers will have teams taking a close look at him as a specialist."

However, his teammates have been impressed with his playmaking ability thus far in training camp, particularly quarterback Carson Palmer.

"He may be real quiet and reserved, but I think he's got a little swag to him now," Palmer said of Nelson. "I think he's kind of realizing, 'Maybe I can play with these guys. Maybe I'm not too small. Maybe I'm not too skinny,' all the knocks you get as you're coming into the draft and all the negative things that come up about yourself when you're from a small school."

The opportunity is open for Nelson with Michael Floyd's injury affording more reps.

But so far, the reviews are positive and the team is pleased with Nelson's progress.

(h/t NFL.com)