Training camp has begun for the Arizona Cardinals and one position of intrigue is at cornerback. The intrigue comes because of the six-game suspension Patrick Peterson will serve once the season begins.
As a result, there will be a battle to see who starts in his place opposite Robert Alford.
In this positional preview, we look at who is on the roster, what expectations are, what questions there are and then the position battles and outlook at the position.
The players
Arizona enters camp with eight cornerbacks on the roster.
- Robert Alford: He enters his seventh NFL season and first with the Cardinals.
- Tramaine Brock: He is in his 10th season in the league and first with the Cardinals. It is his third stint under DC Vance Joseph.
- Nate Brooks: He is an undrafted rookie out of North Texas.
- Chris Jones: He is considered a first-year player but enters his second year with the Cardinals. He spent part of last season on the Cardinals roster and part on the practice squad.
- Byron Murphy: He is a rookie, drafted in the second round.
- Deatrick Nuchols: He is entering his second year in the league and with the Cardinals.
- Patrick Peterson: He enters his ninth season with the team and in the league.
- Brandon Williams: He is in his fourth season in the league and with the Cardinals.
The expectations
Before word of Peterson’s suspension, the position was expected to be in great shape. Peterson, a true No. 1 cornerback would be paired with a solid No. 2 in Alford. They added Murphy in the draft, who could play in the slot and then Brock was veteran depth.
Now they have to survive nearly have the season without Peterson.
The defense is expected to go back to relying on the corners to cover guys man-to-man.
The questions
The biggest question is how the Cardinals will fare in Peterson’s absence. How much will it hurt the defense?
After that, you have to look at Alford. He was solid for years but had struggles last season. Was it because of the high ankle sprain or was it the beginning of his decline, as he is now 30 years old?
Who will emerge as the starter opposite Alford to start the year?
How much can be expected of Murphy as a rookie?
The position battles and outlook for the position
There are two main battles. One is for the starting job in Peterson’s absence. It begins between three players — Murphy, Brock and Jones.
After that, it is a battle for the last spot or spots on the roster at the position.
Peterson, Alford, Murphy and Brock are locks for the roster. There is maybe one other spot, although another opens up after Peterson is moved from the active roster for his suspension.
So Nichols, Jones, Brooks and Brandon Williams will all battle for one spot.
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