NFL: Each Team’s Biggest 2015 X-Factor

Dec 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Deone Bucannon (36) tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 35-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals SS Deone Bucannon

Arizona Cardinals strong safety and dime-package linebacker Deone Bucannon has the role of a player who fits as an “X-Factor”, and he has a few analysts who are on his side. Since the Cardinals figure to continue to play dime defense plenty of times even with Todd Bowles on the Jets, Bucannon will continue to be used as more of a linebacker where his instincts, physicality, and strong work in the box can shine.

I’m not sure how big of an impact he’ll have on the Cardinals this upcoming season, but if he can become even better in coverage, then he has huge potential on this defense with Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu surrounding him. Bucannon has shown up well this preseason, particularly in the box, so hopefully he keeps it up.

Next: His Team's Best LB