DC Nick Rallis confident in Cardinals’ CB room as several players face pivotal 2026 seasons
Nick Rallis was impressed with the growth the Cardinals' cornerback room made as voluntary organized team activities wrapped up this week.
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As the Arizona Cardinals wrapped up voluntary organized team activities this week, defensive coordinator Nick Rallis remained confident in his cornerback room ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
“It’s really good competition there, and that’s a great problem to have,” Rallis told reporters Thursday. “What I’m seeing from those guys is growth. I’m seeing a different comfort level right now, from a technical and communication perspective. I’ve been very pleased to see how those guys improved their game this spring.”
The 2026 season will be a critical one for the Cardinals’ cornerback room as several players look to bounce back after season-ending injuries last year, including Garrett Williams, Starling Thomas V and Sean Murphy-Bunting.
In a season in which the Cardinals went 3-14, Arizona’s defense allowed 357.7 yards (27th in the NFL) and 28.7 points (29th) per game. The pass defense allowed 230.8 yards (24th) per game.
Despite the defensive struggles, rookie Denzel Burke was a bright spot, as he played in all 17 games and registered 34 tackles, 11 passes defensed and three interceptions. Rallis was impressed with how the former fifth-round pick out of Ohio State made the jump to the NFL last season.
“A week or two or in, you can see that this guy is very mature and ready to be a pro,” Rallis said. “You start four years at Ohio State, you’re probably at the stage. I’m always trying to find ways to help him grow as a player.
Rallis confident in Cardinals’ Max Melton, Will Johnson to take next step
In the cornerback room, Max Melton and Will Johnson are also looking to have breakout seasons in 2026.
Melton’s 2025 season was limited, as he played in just 10 games due to several injuries, registering 31 tackles and five passes defensed.
Rallis said that Melton has made improvements in working on down-to-down situations and assessing what kind of plays need to be made.
“He’s taken huge strides in a couple of different ways. I think the biggest thing with him is just understanding the stress and the strength of each call and knowing where I do I have to win on this and where can I take a risk,” Rallis said.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s rookie campaign didn’t go exactly as planned either as he dealt with a groin issue early in the year. He also dealt with back, hip and knee issues later in the season. In 12 games, Johnson registered 37 tackles, 10 passes defensed and a forced fumble.
Rallis said that while there are plenty of things Johnson still needs to work on in the run game and in coverage, he’s made significant strides in his development as a player.
“I know Will wants his hands on that football because that’s what he does really well, and he can take the ball away,” Rallis said. “Just like everyone, as long as he keeps improving his game, he’s going to become a better player.”
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1 Comments
With health and even modest steps forward, this group should be strength for the Cards. Max, Will, Denzel, SMB and Starling can all play, a couple of those guys potentially at a pro-bowl level.