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Who replaces Tony Jefferson in run support?

The Arizona Cardinals lost the best safety in the NFL against the run.

NFL: Washington Redskins at Arizona Cardinals Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The question for every loss is who replaces that player?

For the Arizona Cardinals, the losses we're substantial on the defense, in terms of players who played at a high level in 2016.

Take Tony Jefferson, who was ranked by Pro Football Focus as the best safety against the run in the NFL in 2016.

There's a three pronged approach to replacing Jefferson.

  1. The Arizona Cardinals have put a number of safeties in Jefferson's position and been successful.
  2. Haason Reddick makes a quick transition at inside linebacker.
  3. Deone Bucannon playing better against the run in 2017 will lessen the burden on the safeties.

As Bucannon continues to grow as linebacker, the Cardinals will rely less and less on their safeties for run support.

Until then, Bethea will need to hold down the fort.

The question is, can he be as good as most safeties in the Arizona Cardinals scheme?

Last season he was in the bottom tier of the NFL in terms of safety play, but that was with the 49ers.

Who can help lessen the loss of Jefferson?