Arizona Cardinals taking risk with faith in cornerbacks

The Arizona Cardinals are apparently willing to enter the upcoming season with major questions at the cornerback position

Even after the Arizona Cardinals ignored the cornerback position during the free agency period, fans of the club weren’t panicking. After all, it was a well-known fact that the 2017 NFL Draft was chock-full of talented cover guys. The problem would surely be addressed with a college player or two out of this year’s crop.

But for unknown reasons, management decided an upgrade for incumbent corners Justin Bethel and Brandon Williams weren’t necessary. It now appears that the faith head coach Bruce Arians has said he has in the duo is genuine. Why he feels that way is anyone’s guess.

The Cards could’ve had any cornerback in the draft they so desired, with the exception of Ohio State’s Marshon Lattimore. The list included Marlon Humphrey, Adoree Jackson, Gareon Conley, Tre’Davious White, Kevin King, Quincy Wilson and Cordrea Tankersley. All of whom would’ve looked fantastic in a Cardinals’ uniform.

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The safety that general manager Steve Keim moved up for in the second round, Budda Baker, reportedly can play some corner. But the University of Washington product is more of a slot cornerback if anything, a spot already occupied on the Cards’ defense by Tyrann Mathieu.

As it stands now, Arizona will have the “failure in progress ” Bethel and the extremely raw Williams battling for the number-two spot opposite Patrick Peterson. That’s a risky proposition considering the fact that both Larry Fitzgerald and Carson Palmer could retire after this campaign. 2017 could be the last chance for a Super Bowl title with the current core, so filling holes in the starting lineup is crucial.

There is a possibility that Keim could add a seasoned veteran before September. Perhaps training camp will convince the front office that a reinforcement is imperative. As of this writing, players such as Darrelle Revis, Alterraun Verner, Sam Shields, Brandon Flowers and Tracy Porter remain available.

There’s little debate that inside linebacker Haason Reddick was a good choice with the 13th overall pick of the first round. But Alabama’s Humphrey would’ve filled a more pressing need. Humphrey was drafted three slots after Reddick, so he was certainly worthy of going to the Cardinals at 13.

All Cards’ fans can do now is keep their fingers crossed. Maybe Keim will do the right thing, and add a much-needed vet to the roster this summer. Arizona’s championship hopes may depend on it.

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