The Arizona Cardinals’ defense had plenty of issues last year. The defensive backfield was the strength of the “D,” but it lost a key contributor in Jalen Thompson.
The cornerback room remains a strength. However, that is when every player is healthy. Attrition has caused lots of issues.
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The wait for training camp is here. We will soon see which athletes have been working out consistently and who has been lounging at home playing “Call of Duty.”
GM Monti Ossenfort
has spent a lot of time and money on the cornerback room. The division is a pass-happy bunch, and the Cardinals can’t be hampered by poor play with passes being spread all over the field. A close game can get out of hand pretty quickly.
Ossenfort has done a pretty good job over the past four to five seasons of cultivating and developing talent at the cornerback position. It is not only the starting positions, but the nickel is important when the defense shifts into the 4-2-5 with that extra defensive back on the field.
Now that training camp is here, let’s look at the cornerback room.
Cardinals’ CB depth chart
- Right outside cornerback: Denzel Burke, backup Max Melton, Elijah Jones
- Left outside receiver: Will Johnson, backup Starling Thomas, Kei’Trel Clark, Elijah Culp
- Slot (nickelback): Garrett Williams, backup Sean Murphy-Bunting, Jaden Davis, Kalen King
Best expectations?
Johnson could be a terrific cornerback, but he has been hurt repeatedly. But this trend occurred in college, so the Cardinals knew he was injury-prone. If he can remain upright, the future of the cornerback room will be elevated immediately. Burke came in later in the year and played very well right off. Three interceptions, 11 batted passes, and 49 total tackles are just a sliver of what he offers. These two young players are the key to success.
Williams is another really good defender who cannot remain vertical. He showed up in his rookie year recovering from a knee injury, yet Arizona drafted him anyway. In Week 2 last year, he landed on IR with a knee issue, then damaged his Achilles after Week 16. Along with Johnson, Williams must remain healthy. Melton is an adequate backup but is certainly a big notch below the other starters. It should come down to the fifth and sixth corners as the Cardinals usually keep six cornerbacks.
This group can shine if the first four can remain healthy.
Worst case?
What has transpired already in this room. The injury bug. Players sitting on IR.
Although this is a very young cluster, they can become one of the best cornerback groups in the league. If, and that’s a big if, they can suit up each week. What will kill this bunch is the continuation of starters falling out and lesser talent being inserted just to have a guy out on the field. But injuries have affected Murphy-Bunting, Williams, plus Johnson. So yes, this could destroy this group’s revival.
Huge drop off from the three starters and the three backups. Just like last year, when the two starting running backs became injured, the backup talent level had to fill in. It just won’t happen in the NFC West.
2026 version?
This group can strive and lead this defense. Talent top to bottom, that is, with the three starters. A ton of speed and being able to play man. Willing tacklers who are consistent.
It’s a bit sketchy in terms of depth behind those three guys.
The cornerback group should be better this year with Johnson entering his second season in Arizona. Melton is likely a step up in the depth department as well. Williams and Murphy-Bunting “should” also be able to effectively man the slot corner spot this season.
This group is highly competitive with a good mix of talent. It is going to be difficult to pick just six after some fierce battles in camp. Understanding the stress of the position is important. Each call must rely on the strength of each player. Since last year, there has been a huge evolution in terms of a deep understanding of when calls are called and what they’re really doing.
