Arizona Cardinals backup cornerbacks are ready to contribute

The Arizona Cardinals have a youthful group of cover guys who will be vying for playing time when the 2020 campaign gets underway

For the better part of last season, the Arizona Cardinals cover guys were beaten like a drum. Patrick Peterson‘s suspension, along with Robert Alford‘s leg injury, got things off on the wrong foot. Both of those individuals will resume their starting roles this coming fall, but the Cards possess a group of young corners who are ready to step in if needed.

Byron Murphy, Arizona’s second-round draft pick in 2019, was basically thrown to the wolves during his rookie campaign. The unfortunate circumstances surrounding the cornerback position likely forced the coaches to use the youngster much more than they would’ve preferred. Murphy did gain invaluable experience, however, and should be able to settle into a less pressurized role with the Cardinals this coming fall.

Chris Jones is another youthful defensive back who was forced into action last year. The 24-year old totaled 22 tackles and six passes defensed in 11 appearances (three starts) for the squad in ’19. Jones signed with the Cards back in September of 2018 after spending the summer with the Detroit Lions.

Kevin Peterson, a veteran who entered the NFL back in 2016, was another contributor to the Arizona secondary last season. The 5’11,185 pounder tallied 22 tackles and two pass breakups in 14 contests (three starts) for the team last fall. Peterson hauled in two interceptions and registered six passes defensed for the Los Angeles Rams the year before.

Jalen Davis saw action in two games for the Cardinals in ’19, after being promoted to the club’s active roster on December 7th. The 24-year old joined Big Red’s practice squad last September, three days after being cut by the Miami Dolphins. Davis appeared in three matchups for the Dolphins in ’18, recording six tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.

Luck permitting, Arizona should have their full compliment of cover guys when they head into the 2020 campaign. The organization can only hope that suspensions and injuries at the spot are a thing of the past. If any problems resurface, however, there are a contingent of young cornerbacks who are ready to show the Cards what they can do.