Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart
By Jon Dove
This version of the Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart looks primed to make a strong run at a Super Bowl appearance.
There’s talent all across the Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart which features a solid balance between youngsters and veterans. The key to the team’s Super Bowl hopes is the health of quarterback Carson Palmer.
Quarterback
Starter: Carson Palmer
Backups: Drew Stanton and Matt Barkley
Palmer’s age and health are a concern, but the Cardinals are betting on a similar performance as last year. Stanton is a solid back up who has been called on before to step in and keep the team afloat.
Running Back
Starter: David Johnson
Backups: Chris Johnson, Andre Ellington and Stepfan Taylor
David Johnson’s sensational end to last season has appeared to earn him the starting job heading into this year. He’s a versatile running back who showed the ability to gain yards on the ground and through the air.
Arizona has good depth at the position with both Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington capable of stepping in and producing.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and John Brown
Backups: JJ Nelson and Jaron Brown
Arizona primarily lines up with three wide receivers on the field. This is arguably the most talented receiving corps in the NFL with someone like Jaron Brown more than capable of starting for some NFL teams.
Tight End
Starter: Jermaine Gresham
Backups: Darren Fells and Troy Niklas
Jermaine Gresham received a big-money deal in the offseason and is expected to be a major part of the game plan. However, it’s important to note that a lot of his value is tied to his ability as a blocker.
Left Tackle
Starter: Jared Veldheer
Backups: DJ Humphries and Rob Crisp
When healthy, Jared Veldheer is a top-flight offensive tackle. His health is almost as important as the health of Carson Palmer. DJ Humphries would like need to shift to left tackle if Veldheer misses time.
Left Guard
Starter: Mike Iupati
Backups: Earl Watford and Cole Toner
Mike Iupati was in and out of the lineup last year with injuries, but when on the field he showed that he’s still an elite run blocker. Rookie Cole Toner could see some action early if Iupati should have another injury plagued season.
Center
Starter: Evan Boehm
Backup: AQ Shipley
Evan Boehm might be a rookie but he’s already a better option at center than AQ Shipley. The only way he doesn’t start is if he struggles to pick up the offense.
Right Guard
Starter: Evan Mathis
Backups: Earl Watford and Cole Toner
Evan Mathis was an under the radar signing that makes sense for a team in win-now mode.
Right Tackle
Starter: DJ Humphries
Backups: Earl Watford and Cole Toner
The Cardinals gave DJ Humphries his entire rookie season to sit back, learn and develop. He’s now ready to move into the starting lineup where he’ll be expected to perform at a high level.
3-4 Defensive End
Starters: Calais Campbell and Frostee Rucker
Backups: Robert Nkemdiche, Ed Stinson and Kareem Martin
Frostee Rucker may open the season as a starter but it wont be long until Robert Nkemdiche takes over. The combination of Calais Campbell and Nkemdiche will be a nightmare for opposing offenses to handle.
Nose Tackle
Starter: Corey Peters
Backups: Rodney Gunter and Red Bryant
Corey Peters is a solid contributor but doesn’t standout as a high-impact player.
3-4 Outside Linebackers
Starters: Chandler Jones and Markus Golden
Backups: Alex Okafor, Shaquille Riddick and Gabe Martin
The Cardinals are expecting big things from Chandler Jones who comes over after a strong season with the New England Patriots. Arizona has pretty good depth here as Markus Golden looked good as a rookie and Alex Okafor is back.
Inside Linebackers
Starters: Deone Bucannon and Kevin Minter
Backup: Alani Fua
The starters are above average, but depth is a real concern here. It’s something that would make me feel uneasy especially with Deone Bucannon undersized for the position.
Cornerback
Starters: Patrick Peterson and Justin Bethel
Nickelback: Tyvon Branch
Bakcups: Asa Jackson, Shaun Prater and Harlan Miller
Patrick Peterson remains one of the best players in the NFL, but the rest of this group is a real question mark. The thought is that Tyvon Branch can remain healthy and duplicate the season he had in Kansas City, but that doesn’t match up with his career history.
Safety
Starters: Tyrann Mathieu and DJ Swearinger
Backups: Tony Jefferson, Marqui Christian and Chris Clemons
The safety position is deep and one of the strengths of the defense. However, this all depends on Tyrann Mathieu returning to full strength from last year’s injury.