Top-5 pro-bowl surprises for the Cardinals
Could the Arizona Cardinals have a surprise for pro-bowl selection?
David Johnson – Running Back
We saw major glimpses of pro-bowl material, as David Johnson became the first Cards rookie to total up 13 touchdowns. Uncanny is what I describe of David, his speed/power/vision makes him a prototype of the Bruce Arians running back.
Some have already predicted David to make a pro-bowl trip, but I don’t think it’s already set in stone for this year. His running mate, Chris Johnson, is probably going to take carries from David. He’ll probably still be the bell cow, but I think a managed expectation should be taken for David.
He is my least surprising on this list because of what he did during his rookie campaign. Still, Arizona could tote triplet pro-bowlers this year with Carson and Larry seemingly in great shape.
Jared Veldheer – Offensive Tackle
During Mike Iupati’s first year, he made the pro-bowl as an alternate. That year, I thought Jared Veldheer had the better year, as he was an underestimated pass blocker during the 2014/2015 season.
This year, Jared Veldheer needs to have a better year to be considered a book-end tackle. Why not though? He has been very reliable in the running game, and the left side is traditionally the strong side for the offense.
Veldheer is a very solid offensive tackle in the NFL, all through his Oakland venture to now. I think the possibilities are endless for David and Chris Johnson, and it all starts up front.
Deone Bucannon – Inside Linebacker
The current innovator at the dollar linebacker position deserves his recognition, and this could happen this year. I really don’t doubt his abilities, he is one of the best wrap up safeties in the league, problem is he isn’t a safety anymore, rather a linebacker. What people don’t see is his ability to roam all over the field.
If not for Tyrann Mathieu being the most versatile player for the Cardinals, it might have been Deone. To me, he is finally getting some recognition in the media, and it’s well deserved. Now, he enters camp in a well known position, can he make the next step?
With the pro-bowl in sight for Bucannon, I predict a hefty stat line. 120 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 9 tfl, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovered, and a touchdown. He is capable of this feat.
John Brown – Wide Receiver
Bruce Arians said that John Brown left 200 yards on the field against Philly, could that have helped him into the conversation of pro-bowl possibility? I certainly see a bright future for John Brown, it’s just overshadowed by a certain Hall of Famer.
It’s a passing league, in the NFL, it’s very difficult for the lower tiered receivers to garner attention from voters. If John wants to make the pro-bowl, he needs to not focus on 1000 yards, but a bigger goal.
The receiving corps is the most well known group on the Cardinals, and Brown, in some circles, is known as the third receiver for the Cards. In my opinion, Brown is more lethal on the outside, blowing by defenders. That’s how he will make his first pro-bowl.
Markus Golden – Outside Linebacker
The linebacker position is loaded for the Cardinals, I think the attention will just be shifted this year. Nothing is given to players on a silver platter, but I think Markus Golden is going to step up in certain ways. One of those ways was is in containment, and tackles for loss.
Don’t forget that a certain Rookie of the Year plays in the NFC West, and containment could get a guy like Golden some golden opportunities, pun intended.
Sacks should also be a possibility, as Jones will clearly take the attention away from other linebackers. Markus is the obvious choice to step up with sacks. Could he have 10-15 sacks after having 3.5 sacks last year? Why not.