Arizona Cardinals: Jerraud Powers’ Role

Jun. 11, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA: Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers during mini camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jerraud Powers was signed during free agency after former Arizona Cardinals cornerback Greg Toler signed with Powers’ old team the Indianapolis Colts. Powers only played in eight games last season after suffering a season ending toe injury. According to Darren Urban of azcardinals.com,
even though it still way early his pick is Powers to start over Antoine Cason because of his familiarity with Bruce Arians.

Cason has one more year of experience than Powers and nearly has double the numbers in their statistical categories. In Cason’s career he has 308 combined tackles, 55 pass deflections,and 12 interceptions compared to Powers’ who has 210 combined tackles, 33 pass deflections, and six interceptions. It’s obvious to me that Cason should start next to Patrick Peterson because he’s the better player, and I believe coach Arians will make the right choice come the first game of the season. Only way Cason is not starting is if he does terrible in the preseason or suffers an injury.

In the case that Powers is not the starter he will be a good situational player. Powers runs a 4.4 forty and is perfect size to defend small slot receivers. He could be the one matched up with the quickster Tavon Austin. Another thing about Cason is he’s 6’1″ and Powers’ is only 5’10”, you want your big boys on the outside. Powers should be the fourth string defensive back on this Arizona Cardinals roster. If Powers is starting, Arians seems to trust Powers’ ability which is why he brought him here to valley with him. Although Powers’ would be a mediocre starter, he would be better than what fans saw from William Gay last season.

I like Javier Arenas better because of the physicality he plays with he’s not afraid of contact. Arenas is a fundamentally sound tackler, and you rarely get that from defensive backs who like to shy away from contact. Arenas is smaller than Powers and slower, at 5’9″ and a 4.6 forty time. If he can improve his coverage skills he can easily be the third string cornerback because Powers isn’t that great in coverage himself.  All these players will get playing time that’s  for sure in a passing league with dominant wide receivers and tight ends it’s crucial to have at least 5 defensive backs on the squad. I’m sure Cardinals’ fans would feel more comfortable with Peterson and Cason starting, but if Arians’ picks Powers they will have no problem supporting his decision in Arians they trust.