Arizona Cardinals: Five necessary changes for 2017

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Dec 11, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills (10) makes a catch in front of Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the Arizona Cardinals 26-23. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback

Justin Bethel clearly is not an NFL-caliber cornerback. Many thought he was ready in the first-half of 2015 but after injury set him back in the off-season, he is considered a failure by the very words of Arians on Monday.

Bethel, who missed most of spring practice and training camp, has been for the most part, an emergency backup. He’s a great special teams player but he’s nothing more at this point. Arians called him a “failure in progress” on Monday.

The Cardinals also tried Brandon Williams and Marcus Cooper opposite Patrick Peterson. Williams is young and may still work out. The jury is out on Cooper. He is too inconsistent.

The Cardinals may give Mike Jenkins another shot at it next season. He was injured days after signing with the team at the start of training camp.

The Cardinals need to build quality depth at the position. Whether that is done through free agency or the draft, it must be addressed.

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