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.

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