Tim Hightower was the Cardinals’ leading rusher last year, but he’s in Washington now.

So, while many may look at this as Beanie Wells’ chance to step up and take over as the team’s featured back, rookie second round pick Ryan Williams may be the one who ultimately benefits.

“Ryan Williams pretty much does the same stuff [as Hightower], except he’s got a little bit more speed, a little bit more burst,” Sports 620 KTAR’s Ron Wolfley said.

Indeed, the surprising selection of Williams was likely to spell the end of someone’s tenure in Arizona, and it just so happened to be Hightower.

Now, will the Cardinals be able to make up for the loss of a player who averaged nearly five yards per carry last season with a rookie getting his first crack at the NFL or a third-year pro who is on the verge of being labeled a “bust?”

They’re going to have to.

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