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) /

3 of 5

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Abele-Getty Images /

3. Deone Bucannon

Bucannon has been a very productive player since arriving in the NFL, with a least 80 total tackles in all four of his seasons, six total sacks and six forced fumbles as a safety/linebacker hybrid well-suited to stay on the field in all situations. With Arizona’s shift to a 4-3 defense under Wilks, the 2014 first-round pick will move to weakside linebacker and call the defensive signals.

But Bucannon has also missed seven games over the last two seasons, and Pro Football Focus graded him out very poorly last year. The scheme Wilks is bringing with him from Carolina will put Bucannon in great position to produce and make game-changing plays. But he has to prove his below the surface drop-off last year was purely rooted in a long recovery from offseason ankle surgery, which delayed his season debut to Week 4.

The Cardinals also seem set to let Bucannon play out his fifth-year option this year. So apart from taking on a greater leadership role, and staying healthy enough to curry favor from advanced numbers again, lining himself up for a nice new contract somewhere for 2019 is surely on Bucannon’s radar.

Home/Arizona Cardinals