ARIZONA CARDINALS

Peterson, Johnson, among 4 Cardinals players ranked in ESPN’s Top 100

Aug 30, 2018, 12:04 PM

(AP photos)...

(AP photos)

(AP photos)

The Arizona Cardinals have four standout players who will perform among the best in the NFL, according to ESPN.

Patrick Peterson, David Johnson, Chandler Jones and Larry Fitzgerald all rank in ESPN’s annual Top 100.

The ranking is based on projecting how good a player will be in the 2018 season, using a scale of 0-100.

Peterson, who ranked 14th last year, is the highest ranked Cardinal at No. 20. Going into his eight season, the three-time, first-team All-Pro cornerback hopes that more quarterbacks will throw his way. Peterson had the lowest target percentage rate last year at 10.2, according to Pro Football Focus.

Peterson jumped a route early in the Cardinals’ third preseason game for a pick-six along with a forced fumble in a 27-3 win against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

Johnson, who hasn’t played since 2016 due to a wrist injury, ranks No. 27, a drop from No. 13 last year.

The fourth-year running back looking to be ready to get back on the field mirror his 2,118 all-purpose yard, and 20 total touchdown season in 2016. He finished with six carries for 22 yards and a touchdown in the team’s first three drives in Friday’s second preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.

Last year’s sack leader (17) Jones is ranked No. 43, an improvement from last year’s 64. The lengthy pass rusher is looking to have a fourth straight season of double-digit sacks in his third season with Arizona.

Ranked closer to the bottom of ESPN’s Top 100 is future Hall of Fame receiver Fitzgerald at No. 90, who will be 35 years old on Friday.

The 15-year pro has played all 16 regular season games since 2008, the franchise’s only Super Bowl appearance.

Though not ranked last season, Fitzgerald finished with 109 receptions, 1,156 total yards and six total touchdown receptions. He is only one of two receivers (Steelers’ Antonio Brown) in the NFL to have three straight seasons with at least 100 catches and 1,000 yards.

Arizona Cardinals

Darius Robinson...

Alex Weiner

Cardinals took trade calls at NFL Draft, stood pat for Marvin Harrison Jr. and Darius Robinson

The Cardinals stood pat with their first-round picks at the NFL Draft, a difference from general manager Monti Ossenfort's strategy in 2023.

7 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Marvin Harrison Jr. checked all the extra boxes when he met with the Cardinals at the combine

Marvin Harrison Jr. checked all the extra boxes when he met with the Cardinals at the combine and then when he visited Arizona, GM Monti Ossenfort said.

7 hours ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. speaks with reporters after getting drafted at No. 4 overall by the Arizona Car...

Tyler Drake

Marvin Harrison ecstatic to be a Cardinal, Kyler Murray’s newest WR1

Marvin Harrison Jr. is ready to follow in former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald's footsteps.

8 hours ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. arrives to the 2024 NFL Draft...

Dan Bickley

Marvin Harrison Jr. gets the Larry Fitzgerald seal of approval

The entire state of Arizona was cheering loudly when the Cardinals selected Marvin Harrison Jr., including the great Larry Fitzgerald.

8 hours ago

Darius Robinson...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals take DL Darius Robinson with No. 27 pick in 1st round of NFL Draft

The Arizona Cardinals selected Darius Robinson out of Missouri with the No. 27 pick of the NFL Draft during the first round on Thursday.

9 hours ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. after being selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals at the 2024 NFL Dr...

Alex Weiner

Cardinals’ Marvin Harrison Jr. at NFL Draft: ‘I’m gonna work as hard as I can to earn trust’

Marvin Harrison Jr. said he could not be more excited to be an Arizona Cardinal after getting pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

10 hours ago

Peterson, Johnson, among 4 Cardinals players ranked in ESPN’s Top 100