Raising Zona
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2017 is a big opportunity for Kerwynn Williams and Elijhaa Penny

By Joseph Comeau

Dec 6, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Kerwynn Williams (33) runs in for a 35 yard touchdown against the St. Louis Rams during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 27-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Kerwynn Williams (33) runs in for a 35 yard touchdown against the St. Louis Rams during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 27-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Going into the 2017 season, the Arizona Cardinals need to fill multiple holes on the running back depth chart. Look for Kerwynn Williams and Elijhaa Penny to be part of the solution.

The Arizona Cardinals’ running back depth chart for 2017 currently consists of one exclamation point, and three question marks. David Johnson – exclamation point – is entrenched as the starter. However, with Andre Ellington, Chris Johnson, and Stepfan Taylor all free agents, the rest of the depth chart is likely to experience a substantial shakeup.

The Cardinals could opt to re-sign one or more of their free agent running backs. It seems likely, however, that General Manager Steve Keim will look to fill at least a few spots on the depth chart with younger, more affordable options, and utilize the cap savings to fortify other positions.

Though some of those younger options may come from the upcoming NFL draft or the rookie free agent remnant, there are a few options already in the nest – Kerwynn Williams and Elijhaa Penny.

Cardinals’ fans are already familiar with Kerwynn Williams. Over the past few years, Williams’ relationship with the Cardinals’ has resembled a child’s paddle ball toy, with a series of cuts, returns, cuts, and returns to the active roster.

Nonetheless, during his stints with the Cardinals, Williams has shown that he can be productive – including some big plays from the Wildcat formation. 2017 could be the year that Williams parlays his experience and stretches of production into a more permanent spot on the roster.

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Elijhaa Penny is less of a known commodity. The 6-foot-2 and 247 pound running back is a powerful downhill runner with good vision, excellent ball security, and good speed for his size. Moreover, he is a capable receiver out of the backfield, and a willing blocker.

Penny went undrafted coming out of Idaho, and was signed by the Cardinals after an impressive 2016 rookie minicamp. Despite a 113 yard, one touchdown performance in a preseason game against the Denver Broncos, Penny did not make the active roster. He did, however, do enough that the Cardinals signed him to their practice squad.

Following the 2016 season Coach Bruce Arians praised Penny’s work on the scout team, and expressed optimism regarding his NFL future. Considering the Cardinals’ running back situation, the future could be now.

Neither Williams nor Penny have done enough to be handed a guaranteed spot on the Cardinals’ 53-man roster, but the opportunity appears ripe for the taking in 2017.

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