Arizona Cardinals Training Camp: 5 players to watch in 2014

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Dec 15, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer (27) runs with the ball past Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Wallace Gilberry (95) during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jonathan Dwyer

Dwyer was added to the Cardinals as a free agent this offseason with the retirement of Rashard Mendenhall, joining Ellington and Stepfan Taylor in the back field. He’s in his 5th season in the NFL, playing all of the previous 4 in Pittsburgh, and he comes to Arizona with a mental toughness that Arians loves to see in his players.

Dwyer also brings an extensive amount of experience to share with the young RBs on this team, specifically the hard-nosed running style and aggressiveness the Steelers are known for. While he’s had moments of brilliance with Pittsburgh, the biggest question marks around Dwyer seem to involve his consistency and his ability to stay healthy and in shape.

Considering his usage will be in a backup role, we could see Dwyer more in short yardage and goal line situations than anything. He has shown improvements in both his conditioning and his route running abilities since joining the Cardinals, which means Dwyer could be prepared and accepting of whatever his role ends up being in Arizona.

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