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Arizona Cardinals: Ranking NFC West’s top skill players

By Scott Allen

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) against the Green Bay Packers during an NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) against the Green Bay Packers during an NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) passes the ball under pressure from St. Louis Rams defensive end William Hayes (95) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) passes the ball under pressure from St. Louis Rams defensive end William Hayes (95) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

4. San Francisco 49ers

RB Carlos Hyde – Hyde had a very disappointing 2015 season.  It was a season marred by injury. He played in just seven games last season, rushing for just 470 yards and three touchdowns.

Hyde was seen as the heir apparent to the departed Frank Gore.  Hyde came into the 2015 campaign with a lot of hype but it was very short lived.  Shaun Draughn is standing behind Hyde should something happen.

QB Colin Kaepernick – The fact that Kaepernick is still with the Niners is quite a feat if you are to believe all the reports.  Not only has he stayed with the Niners, he is also apparently going to be the starter once again.

After two consecutive 3,000 yard seasons, he only played in nine games last season, throwing for just 1,615 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions.  Now with a new head coach in Chip Kelly and all the mess with him almost being traded away, could Kaepernick see a re-birth in San Francisco?

WR Torrey Smith -Although Smith had just 33 receptions for 663 yards in 2015, he could become the number one now that Anquan Boldin has departed.

Smith enters only his sixth NFL season and has the speed to be a constant deep threat.  Guys like Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington will be in the mix but look to Smith to get the heavy-load of receiver targets.

Next: Will the number one pick get his shot in 2016?

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