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.

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