Free agency, the combine and the owners meetings are in the rearview mirror and the draft is just a few days away. But it's time to get back to football on the field. Here's a quick look at the Arizona Cardinals as they open their offseason workout program Monday:
Biggest challenge facing head coach Bruce Arians: Keeping quarterback Carson Palmer healthy behind new starters at right tackle, right guard and center. The Cardinals have increased their victory total in each of Arians' three seasons with the Cardinals. This year, the natural progression would be to win at least 13 games again and reach Super Bowl LI in Houston. Arians is set on proving wrong all the doubters who didn't hire him before 2013.
Player on the rise: David Johnson proved he could make the jump from a small school (Northern Iowa) to the NFL stage after taking over the primary rushing duties for Chris Johnson in Week 12. David Johnson has the size and speed to be an all-around NFL back, and at 6-foot-1, 224 pounds he has the bulk to be durable. He showed his versatility last season, scoring touchdowns rushing the ball, catching it and returning it. While his role will be limited to carrying it this year, he's just getting better.
Player who has the most to prove: Michael Floyd is in the option year of his contract. If he can prove he's capable of being a No. 1 wide receiver -- that means coming down with mostly everything thrown to him, making good decisions after catches and making game-changing plays while gaining 1,000 yards -- then either the Cardinals will reward him with a mega-contract or another team will sign him in free agency to be their top receiver.
Surprise player to watch: He didn't play last season, but linebacker Shaq Riddick has all the tools to be a dynamic pass-rusher off the edge. He just needed a year to mature physically and adapt to the speed and style of NFL football. The 6-6, 260-pound Riddick might be among the most talented players in the locker room. If he can make the jump this offseason, the Cardinals would have another presence off the edge.
Position that should be addressed in draft: If nothing is done between now and the draft, then the Cardinals need to address cornerback. One side is solidified for the long term with Patrick Peterson. The other side took a hit when Jerraud Powers became a free agent. As athletic as Justin Bethel is and as much growth as he made last season, he's still not a natural corner. Arizona needs to find a young corner who can complement Peterson for the next five years or so.
