The following is a list of top five players for the offense and defense in no specific order. I didn’t list any rookies or offseason acquisitions. Only players from the Cardinals roster from the 2015-16 season will be considered.
Top Arizona Cardinals Players Going into the 2016 Season
Offense
Carson Palmer: Palmer is the key for the Cardinals to have any chance to get that Super Bowl trophy to Arizona. Yes, the team is loaded with playmakers but without Palmer the team won’t do great.
Larry Fitzgerald: An always dangerous and elite pass catcher, Fitzgerald is a leadership type player for many of these guys. He’s still a big playmaker and he comes up in the clutch.
David Johnson: Is he a new elite running back? His rookie year was outstanding and he didn’t even start the whole season. He may be in the Cardinals backfield for a long time.
Jared Veldheer: For Palmer to be successful, he needs the offensive line to step up. Veldheer is one of the elite offensive tackles in the NFL. He will continue to be a big key to the Cardinals success.
John Brown: Carson Palmer’s favorite target. They are very good friends and are in sync with each other during games. Brown is a speedy wide receiver who is targeted regularly by Palmer and is a big part of the Cardinals offense.
Defense
Patrick Peterson: Peterson is one of the leaders of the Cardinals ferocious defense. An elite cornerback in the NFL, he played great for the Cardinals last season.
Tyrann Mathieu: Coming back from a torn ACL, Mathieu will be back to prove that he is the best defensive back in the league. Mathieu will be feared by opposing offenses.
Deone Bucannon: Bucannon will have another great season with the Cardinals as one of the top linebackers in the league. His athleticism let him transition from safety to linebacker without any struggle. He will contribute big time for the Cardinals.
Calais Campbell: a veteran leader who always is a force to be reckoned with. With the addition of Chandler Jones and Robert Nkemdiche, he will surely get more chances to get to the opposing quarterback.
Markus Golden: Golden was amazing in his rookie year for the Cardinals. He should be played as linebacker and help the pass rush. Another young stud.
