Arizona Cardinals may look to youngsters in 2017

With many of their veteran players set to hit free agency the Arizona Cardinals may look to the younger generation for help

The Arizona Cardinals were all set up to succeed in 2016. They were returning nearly every starter from the previous season, a year in which they got to the NFC Championship. But things went terribly wrong.

An inordinate amount of injuries were the main culprit for the season’s failures. With players dropping like flies, the club’s youth were forced into action sooner than the coaching staff would’ve liked. That playing time they received could pay off in a big way this upcoming year.

The organization could be on the verge of losing a good amount of experience due to free agency. The league’s salary cap will preclude the front office from bringing back all the talent they would like. Replacements will be needed, and that’s where the team’s “kids” come into play.

Due to the possible departure of defensive end Calais Campbell, second-year Cardinal Robert Nkemdiche could be asked to play a big role. Last year’s first-round pick basically red-shirted his rookie campaign. Head coach Bruce Arians has referred to the talented player as “immature” so, if that’s true, he’ll need to grow up fast.

More from Raising Zona

John Wetzel has bounced from team to team since entering the NFL in 2013. When starting left tackle Jared Veldheer suffered a season-ending triceps injury, Wetzel the journeyman was asked to step in. He also plays guard, so if free agent Earl Watford departs, Wetzel could assume the role of the Cardinals’ top offensive line backup.

Defensive back Harlan Miller was drafted to play cornerback in the sixth round of last April’s draft. After being relegated to practice squad duty for most of his rookie year, Miller finally saw game-action at safety late in ’16. He could be in Arizona’s plans this upcoming season with safeties Tony Jefferson and D.J.Swearinger set to test the free agent waters.

The Cardinals plucked Scooby Wright III off the Cleveland Browns practice squad last December. He’s an inside linebacker, but his main value right now is as a special teamer. With the Cards needing major improvement from their special teams in ’17, he’ll certainly get an opportunity to help.

Offensive lineman Evan Boehm was a candidate for the starting center job during the 2016 training camp. He spent most of the year on the bench after failing to beat out A.Q.Shipley, but did play some right guard in December. With Shipley set for free agency, Boehm may get another chance at center or even be given consideration for the opening at right guard.

With backup running backs Andre Ellington, Chris Johnson and Stepfan Taylor all primed for free agency, a door may be open for Elijhaa Penny to run through. The 23-year old played well in the 2016 preseason finale, rushing for 113 yards and a touchdown. He’s a David Johnson clone size-wise, so a backup slot for Penny could make sense.

Cornerback Brandon Williams disappointed the coaching staff after being Arizona’s third-round draft pick in ’16. But with the number-two corner spot open yet again, they could really use Williams to step up. His play improved late in the season, so he’ll be given every chance to contribute in ’17.

Home/Cardinals News