Arizona Cardinals: 5 things given freedom from

By Scott Allen | Jul 4, 2017

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 11: A large American Flag is stretched across the field during the National Anthem prior to a game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 11, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 11: Wide receiver Chris Hogan /

The days of forcing a rookie cornerback to start

Tell me if you’ve heard this one before. The Arizona Cardinals started a rookie at cornerback in 2016. The experiment didn’t last long though.

Brandon Williams was not ready to start in 2016 as a rookie but the Cardinals were left little choice after putting themselves into that position. It also did not help that Justin Bethel was injured and couldn’t practice in the preseason.

Bethel is another issue for another time. In fact he could end up being the starter this year opposite of Patrick Peterson. So could Williams, now in his second season.

Williams didn’t have a lot of corner experience coming into the league, so starting him seemed like it would be a disaster. It wasn’t quite as harsh as labeling it as a disaster but it wasn’t good.

The Cardinals could theoretically start rookie Rudy Ford this season opposite Peterson. I wouldn’t count on it. Ford could work his way into the spot however.

For now, it appears the Cardinals will not have a rookie as a cornerback starter. Cornerback was one of the biggest reasons the teams struggled in 2016.

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