Arizona Cardinals: 5 players who must improve in 2018

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 24: Defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche #90 of the Arizona Cardinals runs in a 21 yard fumble recovery touchdown in front of tight end Jerell Adams #89 of the New York Giants in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Norm Hall/Getty Images /

4. D.J. Humphries

Since being drafted 24th overall in 2015 out of the University of Florida as a bit of a raw project, Humphries was a healthy inactive for his entire rookie season, started 13 games in 2016 and only played five games last year due to a torn MCL and a dislocated knee cap in his right knee.

With the offseason departure of Jared Veldheer to the Denver Broncos in a trade which was a clear salary dump of an overpaid player, left tackle for the Cardinals is all Humphries’ now. He was healthy in time to take part in a portion of OTAs, and the team showed a great measure of faith by picking up his fifth-year option for 2019.

After allowing 52 sacks last year (tied for third-most in the league), and allowing 41 sacks (ninth-most in the league) in 2016, the Cardinals clearly need to protect whoever is under center this year far better than they have been. If Humphries and Iupati are both healthy to lock down the left side of the line, that goal has a far better chance to be accomplished.

In any case, it’s time for Humphries to stay healthy for a full season, step up and be the left tackle the Cardinals are still somehow trying to envision he will be.

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