Arizona Cardinals: 5 offseason needs

3. Cornerback

Even at age 28, Patrick Peterson is still playing at a high level. Pro Football Focus gave him a rating of 82.5 after he had two interceptions and one sack in 16 games in 2018. But with the clock ticking on his career and numerous other lackluster cornerbacks on the team’s roster, it is time for the team to improve the position.

Yes, the Cardinals did have a top passing defense in 2018, as they allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards (3,262) and the seventh-fewest touchdowns (21). But they intercepted only seven passes and allowed the fifth-highest completion percentage (67.6). Finding players to force more turnovers and to add to their solid pass defense last year would help solidify the secondary.

Arizona doesn’t need to find their next Peterson, but finding a true No. 2, or a prospect with upside, should be on their to-do list. David Amerson, Bene Benwikere and Jamar Taylor rounded out the team’s crop of corners last year.

Free agency is probably not the road to take here, as the options available on the open market aren’t great. Although, if the Cardinals can afford Ronald Darby, he may be a good fit. Trayvon Mullen from Clemson and Amani Oruwariye from Penn State are two possible second-round draft targets.