Two rookies, John Skelton and Max Hall, could wage quite a competition to be the team's No. 3 quarterback.

Skelton, a fifth-round pick out of Fordham, has the edge in physical tools.

He's 6-5, 244 pounds and has a tremendous arm. Unlike some quarterbacks with a powerful arm, Skelton has a short, quick delivery.

His biggest problems are accuracy and inexperience. He tends to throw all passes at the same speed, and he needs work on his fundamentals.

Occasional poor footwork leads to passes that tend to sail. Skelton also faces a big adjustment in going from a small school to the NFL.

In many ways, Hall is just the opposite. He's listed at 6-1, but seems shorter, and he doesn't have a great arm.

But he's smart, as is Skelton, and he played in a sophisticated passing attack at BYU.

A free agent, Hall was attractive to the Cardinals because of his knowledge and intelligence. Even though he is inexperience, Hall is going to be able to competently direct an offense in the waning minutes of preseason games.

In voluntary practices, Hall has shown a good command of the offense. While he doesn't have a great arm, it appears strong enough to make all the necessary throws.

If Hall can make good decisions, he has the tools to make it as a backup in the league.

It's unlikely the Cardinals will keep a fourth quarterback on the roster or practice squad.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt has never kept more than three quarterbacks, because it's difficult to get enough practice time for a fourth.

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