Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals: 5 Players that need to break out in 2017

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:12 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Tyler Olson/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

The Arizona Cardinals are looking to get back to the top of the NFC West after a subpar 7-8-1 season in 2016. They'll need the help from these five players.

General manager Steve Keim has to feel a sense of urgency with the Arizona Cardinals. On the brink of two stars retiring on offense with no legitimate pieces to replace them, it may be boom-or-bust in 2017.

The same goes for head coach Bruce Arians. At 64 years of age, Arians has struggled with health throughout his time as the Cardinals head coach, most recently undergoing surgery for a torn rotator cuff suffered when Larry Fitzgerald hugged him after defeating the Seattle Seahawks last season.

Subsequently, the time is now to make a run. To make that happen, these five players will have to step up in the 2017 season.

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Rodney Gunter against the Green Bay Packers during an NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

5. Rodney Gunter, DL

The Cardinals have a lot of youth talent that has yet to tap into their potential. Keim has done a great job getting the most out of his players, allowing the coaching staff to plug them into places they best see fit. They did that with Tyrann Mathieu as well as Deone Bucannon.

We all know where third-year player Rodney Gunter will line up once things kick off this fall. The former Delaware State Hornet is 6-5 and 305 pounds, but has started just 12 games in his first two seasons. Unfortunately, he's come away with nothing but 2.5 sacks and 23 tackles to his name.

Gunter isn't a lock to start come week on,e but he'll have every opportunity to win the job on a relatively weak defensive line that currently consists of veterans Corey Peters and Frostee Rucker as well as Robert Nkemdiche, Josh Mauro and Ed Stinson.

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jaron Brown (13) reacts after suffering an injury against the New York Jets at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jaron Brown, WR

A position we all thought the Keim would hit on early in this year's NFL Draft was wide receiver. Players like Mike Williams and Corey Davis were popular picks, but were both off the board by the time Arizona picked at No. 13.

Keim finally pulled the trigger on Grambling's Chad Williams in the third round. Williams, however, is a bit raw playing against SWAC competition and won't be ready to contribute right away. So who needs to step up for Carson Palmer and head coach Bruce Arians' offense?

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Jaron Brown, that's who. The casual fan isn't aware of who the "other" Brown is in Arizona's passing attack as John Brown gets a majority of the spotlight. Jaron has been in Arizona for four seasons now, but the 2016 season was cut short due to a torn ACL.

In four seasons, Brown doesn't have more than 22 catches, 229 yards and two touchdowns in a single season, with those career highs all coming in 2014. His track record doesn't convince anyone that he'll succeed, especially coming off a major injury. But his size is something the Cardinals offense needs.

Brown is the tallest receiver on the roster with exception of Larry Fitzgerald at the top of the depth chart, in addition to guys like Aaron Dobson and a couple undrafted free agents who need a great summer to make the final 53. At 6-2, Palmer needs his size on the outside with Fitzgerald making the move to the slot in certain packages.

It was a big step for Brown in terms of the rehab process surrounding his knee as he participated in individual drills throughout OTA's (per AZCardinals.com). Continue following his process in the coming weeks.

3. D.J. Humphries, LT

Making the move from right to left tackle in 2017 is third-year pro D.J. Humphries. Considering he couldn't crack the starting lineup as a rookie in 2015, this is a crucial move for the former first-round selection. And it's all possible after maturing in Year 2.

As stated previously, the games are won in the trenches starting from the preseason all the way to Super Bowl Sunday. For Palmer to succeed and stay healthy, he needs to stay on his feet. In three starts at left tackle in 2016, Humphries didn't allow a single sack. In the 10 games he started on right side, he allowed an average of 0.9 sacks per game.

With Humphries moving to Palmer's blindside, veteran tackle Jared Veldheer is making the move to right tackle, a position he's never played in his career. Both Humphries and Veldheer will need to hold their own in 2017.

Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams (26) at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2.  Brandon Williams, CB

The age old question that continues to loom in the desert is who's going to start opposite Patrick Peterson? Brandon Williams will have something to say about that. A third-round pick last year out of Texas A&M, Williams converted to defense after starting out as a running back for the Aggies. Keim liked his potential and saw enough throughout the draft process to make him a day two selection. As a rookie he appeared in 13 games and started three, filling in wherever he was needed.

Williams is the favorite to take over as CB2. Whether he does or not will be dependent upon the progression the coaching staff sees throughout the summer and into the preseason.

Last season was well advertised as a revolving door of inconsistency throughout the cornerback room. Peterson continued to be himself ranking as the 35th best player according to Pro Football Focus on 2016. On the other side, Marcus Cooper saw the most action at corner, starting 13 games and playing in 15, but he was one of several defensive free agents that left Arizona.

Arizona will see a combination of Jared Goff and Brian Hoyer/CJ Beathard four times this season. Aside from whoever starts for the Houston Texans, the Cardinals will face a tough slate of premier quarterback talent, putting Williams and the rest of the secondary on thin ice once again.

1. Robert Nkemdiche, DL

Ending the list is another piece from the 2016 draft class.

The window for a championship is closing fast for Keim and Arians with the likes of Palmer and Fitzgerald on the brink of retirement. Former long-time defensive lineman Calais Campbell saw that as well, taking an opportunity to make more money in leaving for the Jacksonville Jaguars. That leaves Robert Nkemdiche with the responsibility of replacing a fan favorite.

The shoes Nkemdiche will attempt to fill is a colossal feat many can't do. He'll be expected to take 82 snaps played as a rookie and raise it somewhere near the 830 Campbell played last season, all while still trying to gain the trust of the coaching staff.

Ultimately, Nkemdiche will be responsible for taking the pressure off of a suspect secondary, forcing opposing offenses to pass and putting pressure on the quarterback. If he can mimic what Campbell did during his tenure, then Arizona will be on the right track not only for 2017, but for the future.

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