Arizona Cardinals’ Deone Bucannon is looking to evolve in his second year

The evolution of Deone Bucannon’s position and play for the Arizona Cardinals is something to watch for this season.

Bucannon spoke during minicamp about the changes he is enduring from his rookie year to his second season in the NFL.

“When I came in at this time last year I didn’t know what was going on,” Bucannon said.

Bucannon’s versatility in the defense is undeniable. He was drafted as a safety, but he spent most of last season playing linebacker. Bucannon has a preference, but he’s not against either role.

“I’m a safety,” he said. “I feel more comfortable playing safety. But at the same time, I love playing linebacker too because it allows me to get down in the box and get closer to the ball and I like being around the ball.”

Bucannon had 81 combined tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in his rookie season. He is looking forward to the growth he had from his rookie season to now.

“This is my second year in the defense so I’m seeing things a lot more clearly than I was my first year,” Bucannon said. “I understand the plays. I’ve seen them before.”

The flexibility that Bucannon has brings more demands for his skill set on the field. He wants to improve his entire understanding of the defense.

“Collectively just understanding the defense,” he said. “Instead of just knowing my position, but also other positions just in case I can help myself and help the team.”