Is Jerraud Powers the Arizona Cardinals’ best option at CB?

Aug 29, 2013, 2:58 PM | Updated: 3:01 pm
Follow @AZSports...

How long will it be before Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu are the Arizona Cardinals’ starting corners?

In watching the Cardinals’ three preseason games, I can’t help but cite cornerback Jerraud Powers as an area of concern. And the more I’ve looked into his football past, the more my concern grows.

At 5-foot-9, 187 pounds, Powers is a bit undersized, even for a corner.

In four NFL seasons, he’s missed large chunks of the schedule each year with various injuries.

Last year, quarterbacks racked up a rating of 105 when throwing directly at Powers.

And the fifth-year veteran’s scouting report reads like an NFL horror novel

– Isn’t very strong

– Struggles to get off blocks

– Takes too many chances

– Less than ideal size

– Durability concern

Of course, Powers brings positive attributes to the table as well. He’s a solid tackler for his size. He was a rookie starter for the Indianapolis Colts the year they nearly went undefeated. And he seems to have impressed the Cardinals coaching staff this preseason.

Still, I can’t help but wonder when the Cardinals will grow tempted to see Tyrann Mathieu on the field every down. Ideally, I think they’d like to use the rookie all over the place during the course of a game. Ideally, Powers will lock the down the other corner opposite Peterson. But whether through injury or ineffectiveness, I don’t see it happening.

Arizona Cardinals

Carlos Watkins #91 of the Dallas Cowboys runs into the endzone for a touchdown as Taysom Hill #7 of...
Kellan Olson

Arizona Cardinals sign former Cowboys DL Carlos Watkins

The Arizona Cardinals signed former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Carlos Watkins on Thursday.
19 hours ago
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Rashad Fenton kneels on the field before the AFC championship NFL foo...
Arizona Sports

Cardinals ink Rashad Fenton to boost CB depth

The Arizona Cardinals signed former Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons cornerback Rashad Fenton to a one-year deal on Thursday.
19 hours ago
Arizona Cardinals WR Hollywood Brown (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)...
Arizona Sports

Cardinals WR Hollywood Brown fined in speeding case

Arizona Cardinals receiver Hollywood Brown was fined $473 with credit for time served for an August speeding arrest on the Loop 101 freeway.
2 days ago
Colt McCoy #12 of the Arizona Cardinals and Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals warm up prior ...
Tyler Drake

Cardinals ‘feel really good’ at QB as Kyler Murray preps for next phase of rehab

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is making steady progress in his rehabilitation from a torn ACL suffered last season.
2 days ago
Arizona Cardinals star backer Isaiah Simmons (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)...
Tyler Drake

Isaiah Simmons remains positionless in Cardinals’ new-look defense

The Cardinals have a decision to make when it comes down to Isaiah Simmons. And no, it's not centered around the fifth-year option.
3 days ago
DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals is called for a personal foul penalty against Eric Sto...
Tyler Drake

Jonathan Gannon operating under premise DeAndre Hopkins will be a Card

While the trade chatter surrounding wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins continues, he's a Cardinal until he isn't in HC Jonathan Gannon's eyes.
2 days ago
Is Jerraud Powers the Arizona Cardinals’ best option at CB?