Cornerbacks
Patrick Peterson has his usual decent season. He had three interceptions and a fumble recovery. He had 51 tackles. He was called for a number of pass interference and holding penalties. Those will need to decrease next season.
The problem is on the opposite side of the field. The Cardinals had difficulty getting someone to play consistently there.
The Cardinals started with rookie Brandon Williams. He clearly wasn’t ready to be a starter. Enter Marcus Cooper.
Cooper had some nice games but also struggled at times. He also had issues with injury down the stretch. He had four interceptions but two of them came early in the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Justin Bethel was deemed a “failure in progress” in December by Arians. He even struggled on special teams at times but that may be his saving grace for being an NFL player going forward.
Rookie Harlan Miller finally showed some promise last week against the Rams. He played very well and could be a guy that ultimately wins out a starting job next season. Look for the Cardinals to add here though in the offseason.
Who will be back in 2017?
Yes: Patrick Peterson, Harlan Miller
Maybe: Marcus Cooper, Mike Jenkins, Justin Bethel, Brandon Williams, Ronald Zamort (future contract), Brian Dixon
No: Elie Bouka
Grade: C