Arizona Cardinals: Rashad Johnson Enters Camp as Likely Starter

November 18, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals strong safety Rashad Johnson (49) returns an interception in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals don’t have much depth in the secondary, but they have quality starters.

Rashad Johnson falls into that category. According to azcentral.com, Johnson will likely start at safety in Week 1 of the 2013 NFL season. Johnson, who had to work his way from the bottom in college, had to do the same thing in Arizona. But now, he’s at the top.

Unless he unexpectedly struggles in camp or gets hurt, Johnson will start. The Cardinals don’t have much depth at safety, so rookie Tyrann Mathieu may start alongside Johnson. Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes, Arizona’s 2012 starters, are both gone, so there is a bit of a hole.

Luckily for the Cardinals, Johnson will help fill that hole.

In 2012, Johnson registered 19 tackles and intercepted two passes. With more playing time, his numbers should drastically increase. Johnson intercepted 11 passes in his final two college seasons (with the University of Alabama), so he can make an impact against the pass.

And in 2013, he will have a chance to do exactly that.