7 Arizona Cardinals that must bounce-back in 2019

Haason Reddick – LB

Haason Reddick is far from a bust at No. 13 overall, but he hasn’t proved that he’s a hit. Though he showed some improvement since entering the league, most of Reddick’s tenure has been disappointing and fueled by confusion as to what position he should play.

Is he a safety? Is he an edge rusher? Or is he an inside linebacker? We asked these questions when Reddick was drafted two years ago, and we still don’t know the answer. Though he’s likely set at inside linebacker for the future, he has to prove that he can play the position on a consistent basis. Because he has all the tools necessary to do so.

After losing the starting job to Josh Bynes before entering the 2018 season, Reddick earned it right back and showed enough promise to continue to hold the position. Heading into 2019, the Temple product will look to solidify the 3-4 inside linebacker position held by himself and recent signee Jordan Hicks.

But Reddick isn’t guaranteed to continue to succeed. His inconsistent career arch and continued learning of the inside linebacker position indicate that all too well. But he has all the tools to do so; he’s one of the most athletic linebackers in the league and showed improvement in coverage. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed 8.6 yards per receptions, good for 18th in the league.

If Reddick wants to continue wearing Cardinal Red, he’ll have to show that he can continue to progress. Last year and his rookie year were excusable in terms of his lack of development; the team was awful and he was learning the position. But, if he doesn’t improve on a good end of last season, he may be expendable.