Arizona Cardinals: Breakout Candidates for 2017

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J.J. Nelson/ John Brown, WR

There is one reason that both of these receivers are on the same slide: if Brown gets the sickle cell trait under control, J.J. Nelson will have less of a chance to have a breakout year this season. It is likely that Nelson could still take the role of the #2 wideout even with the presence of a healthy John Brown, but it may be as a “slash” player.

In 2016, Nelson ran the ball four times for 83 yards (a 8.3 average). He also averaged almost 17 yards per reception for 568 yards all in limited action. The reason that Brown will have dibs on the #2 spot is because of his proven ability.

As a rookie in 2014, John Brown recorded almost 700 receiving yards and five touchdowns. The year after in 2015 he put up 1,000+ yards along with 7 TDs while also tallying a 7.3 yards per carry average on the ground. See the similarities to J.J. Nelson? Even with the down year do to sickle cell, Brown still was able to rack up 517 yards in the passing game with two touchdowns (he played in games but started 6).