Arizona Cardinals: Predicting the cornerbacks
By Scott Allen
The Arizona Cardinals have a top NFL cornerback that may get even better in 2018
Outside of Patrick Peterson, the cornerback position for the Arizona Cardinals has been suspect at best over the last several years. In head coach Steve Wilks’ first season in Arizona, that is likely to change.
Not only is Wilks focused on getting the defense built stronger since that is his specialty, he is also likely to help improve Peterson and make him even better than he already is. Wilks has a nice history of helping even the best of them.
Peterson is the mainstay though at cornerback for the Cardinals. Outside of that, players have come and gone, trying to nail down the opposite starting job at the position.
This year behind Peterson, there are eight other cornerbacks on the 90-man roster. The Cardinals are hoping recent newcomer Jamar Taylor will be just what the Cardinals need.
Also looking at possible future help comes from recently drafted rookie Chris Campbell from Penn State. He may not break in as a starter right away but if he comes as advertised, then it may not be long.
Bene Benwikere also has familiarity with Wilks system, having played for him with the Carolina Panthers in 2014 and 2015. Although it has been three years, there is something to be said about that. Benwikere played for the Dallas Cowboys last season.
The one many are waiting on is Brandon Williams. To many, he has been a disappointment. However the Cardinals still see potential. He’s young but he may not be given much more time going into his third NFL season.
Outside of that, the Cardinals have Jonathan Moxey, Lou Young III, Tavierre Thomas, and Deatrick Nichols on the roster at corner. Nine guys likely fighting for four or five spots.
Looking at the possible corners heading into the regular season, the top three are not too difficult to predict. After that it could be a fun training camp and preseason to try and figure that out. Peterson will be there for sure, so will Taylor.
Campbell should be in behind Benwikere but as we see time and again what we know today may not be what we know tomorrow.
The possible personnel at cornerback in 2018 for the Cardinals:
1. Peterson
2. Taylor
3. Benwikere
4. Campbell
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If they keep a fifth corner, Nichols could be that guy. As with every position though, the Cardinals continue to evolve the roster. Corner will be no exemption to that rule.