Arizona Cardinals veteran out to reject rookie’s challenge

Tramaine Brock will be vying to outplay a second-round draft pick and become a starting cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals’ front office saw it coming. It’s been revealed that the organization was made aware of cornerback Patrick Peterson‘s impending suspension months before anyone else was. The Cards quickly became proactive, adding reinforcements to use as fill-ins for the star cover guy’s absence.

One of the corners acquired to help address the situation was Tramaine Brock, a veteran of nine NFL campaigns. New Arizona defensive coordinator Vance Joseph had coached the player a year ago, when both were with the Denver Broncos. Brock’s familiarity with the defense that the Cardinals will be implementing obviously made him an attractive target for the club.

Two months before Brock’s arrival, another free agent was brought in to help. Robert Alford was signed to be the squad’s number-one cornerback when Peterson is away. Brock appeared to have the number-two slot sewn up, but this past April’s draft put a wrinkle into that scenario.

The highly-touted  Byron Murphy was selected with the Cards’ second-round pick. Quite a few experts believe that the University of Washington product, not Brock, will seize a starting role. Anyone who watched Murphy perform in college would likely have no problem endorsing the rookie for the gig.

Murphy flashed an outstanding skill-set during his two seasons with the Huskies. As a freshman in 2017, the youngster recorded 13 tackles, two interceptions, seven passes defensed and a sack in six appearances. Last year, Murphy racked up 37 tackles, four picks and 13 pass breakups in 14 games for the school.

But while Murphy is hoping that his success will carry over into the pro game, Brock has already proven himself at the highest level. The former undrafted free agent of the San Francisco 49ers has put together quite an impressive resume since he entered the league in 2010. Brock has tallied 209 tackles, 11 interceptions and 50 passes defensed in 103 career appearances (45 starts).

While losing Peterson for six weeks will certainly hurt, the Cardinals management has handled the dilemma well. Murphy’s backers wholeheartedly believe that the 21-year old can be an opening-day starter. Be assured, however, that the vastly-experienced Brock will have something to say about that in the upcoming weeks.