Talented core has Arizona Cardinals future looking bright

An impressive contingent of players should have the Arizona Cardinals back in playoff contention in no time at all

One can’t help but being impressed with the talent that currently exists on the Arizona Cardinals roster. Despite the fact that head coach Steve Wilks’ bunch has stunk up the joint this season, the team really does possess some young, impactful players. A group of Cardinals who should have the franchise back in the playoffs in no time.

The most important part of any football squad is seemingly present in the desert. Arizona is hopeful that first-round draft pick Josh Rosen can be their quarterback for the next decade, and beyond. The 21-year old has had some shaky moments, but overall has the Cards’ brass believing that they can win with the strong-armed passer.

David Johnson was severely misused by Mike McCoy, the Cardinals ousted offensive coordinator. The running back’s first two campaigns in the league were off the charts, so the 26-year old needs a play-caller who can get him back to that elite level. Johnson was inked to a three-year, $39 million contract the night before the season-opener, so it’s about time that he return to his workhorse ways.

Rookie Christian Kirk, Arizona’s second-round pick back in the spring, has been the only bright spot of the wide-receiving corps thus far in 2018. The Scottsdale native has been a favorite target of Rosen’s, and has flashed game-breaking ability. Tight end Ricky Seals-Jones has shown a knack for the end zone and some extremely soft hands.

Cards’ general manager Steve Keim has been awful at assembling the offensive line, but third-round pick Mason Cole appears to be an exception. The former Michigan Wolverine has done an admirable job filling in for injured starter A.Q. Shipley at center.

Patrick Peterson apparently wants to get out of town, but the Cardinals’ front office looks to be unwilling to accommodate him. Shutdown cornerbacks don’t grow on trees, especially ones who have been to seven consecutive Pro Bowls. For the club to execute a successful turnaround, they’ll need Peterson to be a willing participant going forward.

The NFL’s sacks leader in 2017, Chandler Jones, continues to be a dominant force. The two-time Pro Bowler has made a seamless return to the defensive end position, and can obviously flourish in any scheme. It’s mind-boggling that the current staff can’t find a role for linebacker Deone Bucannon, who’s been one of Arizona’s most productive tacklers since he arrived in 2014.

Budda Baker is a star in the making. The Cards have had little falloff at the safety spot since Tyrann Mathieu‘s departure, thanks to 2017’s second-round pick. Linebacker Haason Reddick can be utilized in a variety of ways and, like Bucannon, needs to be a part of the organization’s future plans.

The Cardinals have some vital pieces to the puzzle already in place. What they truly need is a set of coaches who will get the best out of each and every one of them. There are holes in the foundation, but not quite as many as most people would think.