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Arizona Cardinals: Grading 2016 position by position

By Scott Allen

Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jeremy Ross (16) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jeremy Ross (16) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) celebrates a play against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) celebrates a play against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety

We all know the struggles that Tyrann Mathieu had with injury in 2016.  He was never 100 percent.  First he was coming off an ACL injury suffered at the end of the 2015 season. Then he had a shoulder injury that ultimately ended his 2016 season early.

D.J Swearinger played well for the most part.  He had 66 tackles with three interceptions and eight passes defensed.  Tony Jefferson played well before getting hurt in the week 16 game at Seattle.

Many fans would love to see Jefferson back.  Do the Cardinals agree?  We will have to wait and see with that.  He had 96 tackles and five passes defensed.  Despite no interceptions many felt he was a Pro Bowl snub.

Tyvon Branch had a tough season too.  He got hurt in the first Rams game in Glendale.  He suffered a groin injury and went on injured reserve.  By the time December rolled around, he was designated to return.  He did and after one game, immediately went back on re-injuring himself.

This too may be a position where some change happens.  Even if Mathieu is healthy and Jefferson returns, it was still a position of scrutiny in 2016.

Who will be back in 2017?

Yes: Tyrann Mathieu, D.J. Swearinger, Tyvon Branch

Maybe: Tony Jefferson, Trevon Hartfield, Christian Bryant

Grade: C-

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