Arizona Cardinals: Grading 2016 position by position
By Scott Allen
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+