ESPN writer: Cornerback is Cardinals’ biggest need
Jun 8, 2016, 9:14 AM | Updated: 11:13 am
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) intercepts a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) in the end zone during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Patrick Peterson is a top flight cornerback, but after CB Jerraud Powers left for Baltimore as a free agent, the Cardinals are forced to fill a void.
ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss claimed that establishing that second cornerback is the Cardinals’ biggest need. He notes the following:
Arizona Cardinals: Once the Cardinals lost cornerback Jerraud Powers to free agency, they were left with an inexperienced option in Justin Bethel to take over his role full time. As of now, Bethel seems like the most likely option to become a full-time starter next in 2016, but don’t count out three other possibilities: rookies Brandon Williams and Harlan Miller, as well as Cariel Brooks.
Bethel is a 6-foot, 190-pound corner who has played primarily on special teams in four seasons in Arizona, but has limited experience as a cornerback. He has two career interceptions – both coming last year, one for a touchdown – and five career fumbles recovered.
He told Arizona Sports’ Craig Grialou last week that he believes he’s “capable of being a great starting corner.” In December, he and the Cardinals inked a three-year, $15 million extension with $9 million guaranteed.
The Cardinals have other options as well, with even less experience than Bethel. Brandon Williams, a rookie out of Texas A&M drafted in the third round, stands at 6 feet and 200 pounds. He played just one year at cornerback in College Station, as he was a running back before that.
Harlan Miller is also a rookie, having attended Southeastern Louisiana and being drafted in the sixth round. Miller stands at six feet and 182 pounds, and used that size pick off 11 passes in three All-Southland Conference honors seasons.
Finally, Cariel Brooks played in three games for Arizona last year after his college stint at Adams State. In those NFL appearances, he logged one solo tackle.
