Cards' Kolb anxious to get out and play again

Quarterback Kevin Kolb's time in Arizona has already been tainted due to injuries, something he hopes to change during the 2012 season.

--Kevin Kolb was drafted in 2007 by the Eagles, but his performance this season will play a big role in determining how successful the Cardinals were in the 2012 draft. That's because the team gave up a second-round pick to Philadelphia as part of the deal to acquire Kolb last summer. If Kolb plays well, the ratings of this draft class will be boosted. And Kolb knows it. "Absolutely," Kolb said when asked about high expectations. "I'm as anxious for this year as I've ever been. I'm looking forward to proving this move was right."

--Cornerback Greg Toler has gained about 11 pounds, up to 198, and feels stronger than he did before suffering a torn ACL last preseason. Toler missed all season and is hoping to participate in some OTAs and minicamp later this summer. He estimates he's 85 percent recovered now and plans to be at 100 percent when training camp opens in July. The Cardinals have nine cornerbacks on the roster, and Toler will have competition for the left corner's job from William Gay, A.J. Jefferson and rookie Jamell Fleming.

"There's nothing wrong with competition at any position," Toler said. "Me, I always know if someone is on my heels, it brings the best out of me. Just bring it on. Let's just play ball."

--Kolb was thrilled when the team drafted receiver Michael Floyd in the first round. Floyd is big and strong, and along with Larry Fitzgerald, gives Kolb two huge targets at receiver. "He seems like a guy who fits us well," he said. "One thing that's going to help him in our system is the way he attacks the ball. He'll be (learning) behind Larry (Fitzgerald), who is the best in the business at it."

Floyd's selection means receiver Andre Roberts will play in the slot more, "where I think he is going to thrive," Kolb said. "I think he is a special player."

--Defensive lineman Nick Eason has lost about 40 pounds this offseason. He's down to about 285 and wants to play in the 290 range, he told the team's website, azcardinals.com. Eason was quoted as saying the lockout impacted his preparation for the 2011 season. He vowed to enter 2012 in better shape. A workout regimen that included some boxing helped in dropping the weight. Eason is a solid backup at both nose tackle and end.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I know what the position holds. I got a lot on my plate." - Quarterback Kevin Kolb on expectations from him in 2012.