Raising Zona
FanSided

Arizona Cardinals boast impressive core of youngsters

By Jim Koch

January 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden (44) reacts after he brings down Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden (44) reacts after he brings down Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite the absence of their next signal-caller the Arizona Cardinals have put together an impressive collection of talent

The current regime of the Arizona Cardinals is operating in it’s fifth offseason. As if they were building an automobile, General Manager Steve Keim and his cohorts have been gathering components. From the looks of the framework, the end result of the front office’s efforts could have Cards’ fans celebrating their first Super Bowl championship.

One of the most impressive parts is a third-round pick out of the 2015 draft named David Johnson. The dynamic running back is a 25-year old blessed with good size (6’1″, 224) and the hands of a top wide receiver. He’s equipped to assume Larry Fitzgerald’s role as the face of the franchise going forward.

Two members of the club’s secondary will be perched in the nest for the foreseeable future. 26-year old star cornerback Patrick Peterson, a six-time Pro Bowler, is under contract until 2021. Safety/slot cornerback Tyrann Mathieu (still just 24) has battled injuries, but will resume his star status when he’s completely healthy.

At wide receiver, 24-year old J.J.Nelson had a breakout second half of the 2016 season. Another wideout, John Brown, contributed well in his first two seasons. With his sickle cell issues reportedly behind him, Brown could combine with Nelson to form one of the speediest tandems in the NFL.

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Two of the organization’s home-grown linebackers, Deone Bucannon (24) and Markus Golden (25), are excelling. Another young linebacker, Chandler Jones, was acquired in a trade last year. The 26-year old star may be on the verge of signing a long-term deal to remain in the Valley for years to come.

When offensive tackle D.J.Humphries redshirted his rookie campaign, the word “bust” was used to describe him. He played both tackle positions in 2016, but played well enough on the left side that the Cards view him as a long-term fixture there. A trio of offensive lineman, John Wetzel (25), Evan Boehm (23) and Cole Toner (22) seem set to man Arizona’s interior for years to come, either as starters or backups.

Defensive lineman Rodney Gunter (25) did a fine job filling in for an injured Corey Peters in 2015. 2016’s first-round draft pick Robert Nkemdiche could become a star in the league if he plays to his potential. 26-year old defensive end Josh Mauro has flashed some excellent play since becoming a Cardinal in ’14.

Of course, obviously absent from this article is the quarterback position. If management can find one, Arizona could contend annually. They’ve certainly assembled other pieces necessary for a successful NFL roster.

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