Arizona Cardinals: Grading 2016 position by position

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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Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Wide receiver

What once looked like one of the deepest positions on the team turned into one of turmoil for much of the season.  The Cardinals leading receiver was Larry Fitzgerald with 107 receptions and he could retire.

The second-leading receiver wasn’t a receiver.  It was running back David Johnson with 80 receptions.

The Cardinals lost Michael Floyd after cutting him following a DUI arrest.  He subsequently was picked up by the New England Patriots and had a touchdown catch for them this past week against the Miami Dolphins.

They also lost Jaron Brown.  He tore an ACL in October against the Seattle Seahawks.  John Brown was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Trait.

The most-effective receiver outside Fitz was J.J. Nelson.  He’s fast but he struggled the first half of the season, dropping passes.  He really caught fire in December though.  The question is with his size, how long can he last?

Who will return in 2017?

Yes: J.J. Nelson, John Brown, Jaron Brown

Maybe: Larry Fitzgerald, Marvin Hall (future contract), Chris Hubert (future contract), Aaron Dobson (future contract)

No: Brittan Golden, Jeremy Ross, Marquis Bundy

2016 grade: C+

Schedule