Cardinals notebook: Rookie corner displays talent at minicamp

Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie gave a glimpse of what he can do early in minicamp. The Round 1 draft pick positioned himself well on a long pass to Steve Breaston, but Breaston came up with the catch, anyway.

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"The throws are different than in college," he said later. "That one was right on the mark."

The rookie succeeded in knocking another long pass away by leaping high in the air to deflect it.

But jumping so high - he's also a track star - can carry a price. He then fell to the ground and crashed hard (and there are no pads in minicamp).

"That hurt a little," he said.

In taking his first look at Rodgers-Cromartie, coach Ken Whisenhunt said, "Immediately, he made some plays on the ball in the one-on-one drills and even in the team drills, which is one reason we were so interested in him.

"The transition from Tennessee State to the NFL obviously is huge. But he moves well," Whisenhunt said. "He's got a very good feel for finding the ball and making a play on the ball.

"He plays with good speed. As he gets more comfortable with the defense and as he learns the techniques, he'll contribute significantly this year."

STEPPING UP - AND BACK

Matt Leinart has made big strides, literally, in one area.

Last season, the quarterback got off to a slow start in part because of his drop-back technique.

On his first step away from center, "He was crossing over ... and not getting away from the center," Whisenhunt said. "And that creates situations on a five-step where he's not 6 or 7 yards deep, where he's not far enough behind the line of scrimmage.

"That makes it difficult in protection and in the timing of routes. It also makes the throwing alleys a little bit more constricted.

"That was something we really worked on last year that was difficult. He's come out a lot better on his drops."

DOCKETT'S DEAL

Darnell Dockett, who has expressed interest in a new contract even though he has four years left on his current deal, had this to say on the matter:

"I just show up for things that are mandatory and be a leader and be positive. That's all I can do."

Dockett, asked if the situation will become an issue, replied: "I don't know. Hopefully not."

Dockett, who is entering his fourth season, views himself as the leader of the defensive line. As part of this role, he took the younger defensive linemen out to dinner.

"I said, 'This is the last time I'll ever take you all out. Y'all enjoy. You better order up.'

"All the other issues I can put to the side. Right now, these young guys are coming to excel in their career.

"They need a leader. That's where I come in."

HIGHLIGHT-REEL CATCH

The highlight of Saturday's public workout was a spectacular diving catch by Breaston on a deep pass by Leinart.

Breaston looked sharp throughout the workout. He and rookie Early Doucet would seem to be the top candidates to replace the departed No. 3 receiver Bryant Johnson.

"I really feel I'm gaining confidence," Breaston said. "It's a process. Starting from last year, my goal is to get better every day. I feel I've been steadily improving.

"The coaches want you to push it and make those types of plays. That will carry over to the games."