Arizona Cardinals: Top training camp competitions

Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (17) makes a catch against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The Arizona Cardinals head to training camp in just 26 days to start their long journey back to the postseason

With a lot of roster turnover this offseason, that means just one thing for the Arizona Cardinals. It means there will be plenty of competition for certain spots on the 53-man roster.

There are some positions that are set. We know of course that Carson Palmer will be the starting quarterback. David Johnson will be the starting running back. Larry Fitzgerald will be the number one receiver.

There are a number of new faces and some familiar ones that too will need to prove themselves worthy of a roster spot come September. You can start with special teams.

Punter:

Matt Wile and Richie Leone will be fighting it out for the punter job. Wile finished out the 2016 with the Cardinals.

Kicker:

The Cardinals have tabbed Phil Dawson as their kicker after sending Chandler Catanzaro packing. As of right now Dawson has no one else to compete with on the roster. Don’t be surprised if the Cardinals bring another kicker in to push Dawson a bit in camp.

Receiver:

After Fitz, J.J. Nelson, and John Brown, it’s really anyone’s guess at that point. Three spots will be open for about 10 players. Expect rookie Chad Williams to get one of those spots. So that leaves two spots. It should be very interesting.

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Safety:

Tyrann Mathieu and Antoine Bethea are safe. You can also expect rookie Budda Baker to be safe. So where does that leave Tyvon Branch, Harlan Miller, and Ironhead Gallon?

Cornerback:

After Patrick Peterson, this one is wide open. Justin Bethel, Brandon Williams, Rudy Ford, Ryan Lewis, Sojourn Shelton, Elie Bouka, and Ronald Zamort all will be competing for spots. The Cardinals likely will only keep a total of four.

Inside Linebacker:

There is rookie Haason Reddick and third-timer to the team in Karlos Dansby but after that Alani Fua, Scooby Wright, Gabe Martin, Tre’von Johnson, and Zaviar Gooden should all want to perform at their peak this August.

No one is safe if you want to be technical about it. However you can expect certain players will be here come September. Others though mentioned above could be on the bubble and are going to need to prove themselves no matter how long they’ve been here. Right Mr. Bethel?

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