As is the case with a lot of professional athletes, game recognizes game when it comes to players showing respect for the best in their sport.
Arizona Cardinals players were asked during the team's recent training camp at State Farm Stadium to name the top five players at their position in the NFL. The catch: No Cardinals teammates were allowed on the lists.
Defensive tackle Dante Stills
"(Jeffery) Simmons from the Titans, obviously Chris Jones (Chiefs), Zach Allen (Broncos). Leonard Williams (Seahawks) for sure. (Arik) Armstead (Jaguars). He plays all over. I like watching him."
Offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr.
"Obviously I would put Trent (Williams, 49ers) up there. I like Penei Sewell (Lions). I like both tackles for the Eagles (Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson). And Tristan Wirfs (Buccaneers)."
Cornerback Will Johnson
"I'd say
Jaycee (Horn, Panthers), Pat Surtain (Broncos), Christian Gonzalez (Patriots). I'd say Quinyon (Mitchell, Eagles). He had a good year last year... and are talking last year production? I'd say Mike Jack (Mike Jackson, Panthers)."
Outside linebacker/edge rusher BJ Ojulari (now a free agent)
"I'd say Myles Garrett (Rams), I would say Nik Bonitto (Broncos), Josh Hines-Allen (Jaguars). You could put Byron Young (Rams) in there, Nick Bosa (49ers) coming off injury. There's so many guys that play this game at an elite level. Guys who can impact the game."
Safety Andrew Wingard
Wingard was asked how much he looks around the league at guys who play his position to observe and help make him better at his job.
"That's what you do," he said. "The second the season ends, coaches are watching other teams' schemes and trying to learn things. And players are doing the same thing, watching other guys and seeing how they're doing things. To be honest with you, I was watching a lot of Arizona Cardinals film this past offseason. It's kind of funny, just watching Budda (Baker) and watching Jalen Thompson when he was here, Rabbit (Taylor-Demerson). I liked how they played. I got the call from them a week after I was watching Cardinals film. But yeah, you study. That's what you've got to do."
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Cardinals players rank their Top 5 in NFL at their positions
