Every day this week, I will take a deeper look into one of five starting positions that is up for grabs come training camp. I’ll dissect why it’s available, who’s in the lead to take it over, their competition and give an overall outlook.
These are the five more important positions that don’t have a clearly defined starter.
Position: 2nd RB
Last year’s starter: Andre Ellington
Why is it up for grabs: Rashard Mendenhall retired and Ellington took his place as the starter.
Leader in the clubhouse: Stepfan Taylor
Top competition: Jonathan Dwyer
Outlook: Coach Bruce Arians likes both of these backs. He drafted Taylor in 2013 and he signed Dwyer, whom he coached in Pittsburgh, in the 2014 offseason. This is a competition that may last through training camp and could even result in both of them splitting time at tailback during the season. Arians said the Cardinals will use more two-back sets, meaning the second back will be seeing more time on the field than last year. Taylor has the upper-hand when it comes to experience in Arians’ system, and he can be more of a blocking back, as well, which could land him the No. 2 job.
