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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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Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Darren Fells (85) scores a touchdown as Los Angeles Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) attempts to tackle during the third quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Darren Fells (85) scores a touchdown as Los Angeles Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) attempts to tackle during the third quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight End

It was an interesting year for the tight ends.  In preseason it appeared that Troy Niklas could be the man after starting out hot.  Of course he got hurt and missed most of the season on injured reserve.

Then last year’s surprise Darren Fells had a rough preseason.  He got into Arians’ doghouse committing silly penalties.  That left Jermaine Gresham, Ifeanyi Momah, and Hakeem Valles.

Gresham re-signed for one year.  That was a little bit of a surprise given that he didn’t play very well in 2015.  He surprised and had a nice season in 2016.

The problem with Gresham is his temper.  While some saw his temper as a positive thing trying to pump his team up, it hurt his team against Seattle on Christmas Eve.  He cost his team field position and a chance to kick a field goal.

The Cardinals may still bring him back though.  He understands Palmer well and usually catches balls that come his way.

Fells dropped a bit in production this season.  He finally found the end zone in week 17 against the Rams.

Who will be back in 2017?

Yes: Darren Fells, Troy Niklas

Maybe: Jermaine Gresham, Ifeanyi Momah

No: Hakeem Valles

Grade: C+

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