Arizona Cardinals: 5 Players that need to break out in 2017
By Tyler Olson
2. Brandon Williams, CB
The age old question that continues to loom in the desert is who’s going to start opposite Patrick Peterson? Brandon Williams will have something to say about that. A third-round pick last year out of Texas A&M, Williams converted to defense after starting out as a running back for the Aggies. Keim liked his potential and saw enough throughout the draft process to make him a day two selection. As a rookie he appeared in 13 games and started three, filling in wherever he was needed.
Williams is the favorite to take over as CB2. Whether he does or not will be dependent upon the progression the coaching staff sees throughout the summer and into the preseason.
Last season was well advertised as a revolving door of inconsistency throughout the cornerback room. Peterson continued to be himself ranking as the 35th best player according to Pro Football Focus on 2016. On the other side, Marcus Cooper saw the most action at corner, starting 13 games and playing in 15, but he was one of several defensive free agents that left Arizona.
Arizona will see a combination of Jared Goff and Brian Hoyer/CJ Beathard four times this season. Aside from whoever starts for the Houston Texans, the Cardinals will face a tough slate of premier quarterback talent, putting Williams and the rest of the secondary on thin ice once again.
1. Robert Nkemdiche, DL
Ending the list is another piece from the 2016 draft class.
The window for a championship is closing fast for Keim and Arians with the likes of Palmer and Fitzgerald on the brink of retirement. Former long-time defensive lineman Calais Campbell saw that as well, taking an opportunity to make more money in leaving for the Jacksonville Jaguars. That leaves Robert Nkemdiche with the responsibility of replacing a fan favorite.
The shoes Nkemdiche will attempt to fill is a colossal feat many can’t do. He’ll be expected to take 82 snaps played as a rookie and raise it somewhere near the 830 Campbell played last season, all while still trying to gain the trust of the coaching staff.
Next: Cardinals: Expectations for Chad Williams in 2017
Ultimately, Nkemdiche will be responsible for taking the pressure off of a suspect secondary, forcing opposing offenses to pass and putting pressure on the quarterback. If he can mimic what Campbell did during his tenure, then Arizona will be on the right track not only for 2017, but for the future.