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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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Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) waves to fans before their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) waves to fans before their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

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

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