Intriguing positional battles ahead for Arizona Cardinals

The 2017 offseason will once again feature some outstanding competition at several key positions for the Arizona Cardinals

Organized Team Activities have begun, Arizona Cardinals’ fans. Although voluntary, OTAs are the first practices of the year for all the veterans who attend. They also signal the beginning of what is shaping up to be another competitive offseason in the desert.

Players that have been with the Cardinals for awhile will be battling to hold off the challenges of new additions. Many have to prove themselves, over and over again, year after year. The NFL is without a doubt a “what have you done for me lately?” kind of league.

An unexpected competition has been created at Arizona’s quarterback position. The organization’s brass has denied that Blaine Gabbert’s arrival is a threat to incumbent backup, Drew Stanton. But how could it not be?

Despite the denials, one of the two will win the right to replace Carson Palmer if the starter happens to be sidelined. Obviously, both can’t be on the field at the same time. Therefore, an interesting fight for second-string is likely underway.

More from Raising Zona

There’s an intriguing numbers game going on at the wide receiver spot. It would appear that only Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, J.J. Nelson and Chad Williams are guaranteed to be on the squad in 2017. That most likely would leave two open slots for wideouts.

The best of the remaining candidates include Jaron Brown, Andre Ellington, Brittan Golden, Jeremy Ross and Aaron Dobson. This one will be fun to follow, especially Ellington’s mid-career position change.

D.J.Humphries, Mike Iupati, A.Q Shipley and Jared Veldheer seem to have four offensive line starting spots nailed down. Still, right guard may be unsettled. Anointed starter Evan Boehm could feel heat from newcomers Dorian Johnson and Tony Bergstrom, or possibly even 2016 returnees John Wetzel or Ulrick John.

Inside linebacker Karlos Dansby will be serving as a mentor to first-round draft pick Haason Reddick. But he may very well concede his job to the rookie sooner rather than later. However, Deone Bucannon’s ankle surgery could thrust both Dansby and Reddick into starting roles for a good portion of 2017.

The number-two cornerback spot will be filled by either Justin Bethel or Brandon Williams. A third, or even fourth, party could be added to push the two. Some veteran free agent corners remain available, so Arizona would be smart to consider them.

Finally, the punting job will be between two inexperienced players. Matt Wile, who was with the club last season, probably has a leg up (no pun intended) in the battle. Richie Leone will try to prove he belongs with Amos Jones’ group.

So let the fun begin. If it’s true that competition brings out the best in people, than the Cardinals should be in good shape. It’s certainly shaping up to be another fun summer.

Home/Cardinals News