"The first-round draft pick didn%u2019t make it to camp on time because the Cardinals have yet to sign him.

Just like last year. And oh, so many previous years.

But coach Ken Whisenhunt says this year has a different feel than last year when first-round pick Levi Brown missed about a week of camp.

This year, plenty of first-round picks all around the NFL have been slow in signing, including cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who was the Cardinals%u2019 choice at No. 15.

%u201CThat%u2019s what%u2019s really holding things up,%u201D Whisenhunt said. %u201CI%u2019m optimistic it will get done fairly quickly. We%u2019ve had some productive talks. A lot of times, its%u2019 more about waiting for some action %u2026 especially around the position where we drafted.%u201D

The Cardinals should get a boost by the Chicago Bears%u2019 signing of Chris Williams, the No. 14 overall pick.

%u201CI think that will help. That%u2019s a big part of it %u2026 making sure the climate is right to do it,%u201D Whisenhunt said. %u201CI think the basic structure of the contract that won%u2019t be too difficult to agree on. It%u2019s just about getting the numbers right.%u201D"