With the departure of Tim Hightower to the Redskins, it’s time for Beanie Wells to prove he was worthy of the Cardinals top pick in the 2009 draft.

Wells, who has battled inconsistency and injuries in his two seasons, looks likes he’s running with “quickness and authority” according to ESPN’s John Clayton.

Clayton, in a recent visit to Cardinals camp, said Wells looked impressive and showed up to camp at 228 pounds with little body fat.

“There are times he needs to lower his pads and be more technically sound when he hits holes in short-yardage and goal line situations,” Clayton said. “But his confidence has him making better decisions at the line of scrimmage and breaking more long runs.”

Wells needs to be impressive if he wants to keep the starting job, with second-round pick Ryan Williams waiting for his chance to claim the starting spot.

According to Clayton, Williams seems to wow his teammates with a couple big runs at each practice.

Clayton believes the Cardinals could have a potent mixture in the backfield with Wells and Williams, similar to the backfield of the Carolina Panthers who have a mix of power and speed with Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams.

Whoever the starting running-back turns out to be, both need to have good seasons to compliment new quarter-back Kevin Kolb and his big arm.

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