Arizona Cardinals: Five Players Who Could Determine the Season's Outcome

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Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) celebrates a play against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyrann Mathieu is an impact player when he’s healthy and at the top of his game

Tyrann Mathieu was a somewhat controversial pick when he came out of LSU in 2013. Undersized, at just 5’9″, he also had some off the field issues that caused him to drop into round three. It was there that the Cardinals snapped him up.

Mathieu’s reputation as a ballhawk has been well deserved, as he has managed to find himself around the ball consistently. He has also developed into a leader. However, he hasn’t played a full 16 game season in any of his four years in the NFL, and only played in 10 last year.

The secondary is going through some changes in Arizona. The team could really used the Mathieu that roamed the field in 2015. That year, Mathieu recorded 89 tackles, 17 passes defensed, and 5 interceptions. If he stays healthy and in form, he is an impact player, and can be a huge factor in how the defense plays.