Which Arizona Cardinals should be named to the Top 100?

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Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) looks on during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyrann Mathieu, Cornerback

While officially listed as a free safety, “The Honey Badger” Tyrann Mathieu played a majority of snaps at corner and excelled. In 14 games, Mathieu finished with 80 total tackles, 5 interceptions, 1 return TD, 1 sack and 17 passes defended.

Unfortunately, Mathieu’s season was cut short in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles when he tore his ACL while returning an interception. His absence was felt when quarterbacks, specifically Aaron Rodgers, targeted his replacement Justin Bethel. Without Mathieu, the Cardinals also had trouble covering the middle of the field.

Other underrated aspects of Mathieu’s game are his sure fire tackling ability, and his knack for being wherever the ball is at all times. Mathieu made a strong case for Defensive Player of the Year before his injury and was named a First team All-Pro as well as a Pro Bowl starter. He should be further rewarded when he is named as one of the top 10 players of 2016.

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