As part of a fantastic 2017 NFL Season Preview package, SB Nation has listed a series of “Can’t Miss Predictions” for the upcoming season.
Well, why not do some strictly for the Arizona Cardinals. Feel free to play along and answer with your own winners below.
MVP
This seems to be an easy one, if the Cardinals are going to be their best, it has to be because of how dominant David Johnson is this season. That makes Johnson the MVP for the Cardinals. Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald deserve some love, but it will come down to Johnson and how he handles being the focal point for the second year in a row.
Most Improve Player
Justin Bethel only because my next award goes to Robert Nkemdiche. If Bethel is able to improve as a cornerback, it will be a huge coup for the Cardinals brass and their coaching staff.
Hoss of the Year
Best offensive or defensive lineman for the Cardinals. That is going to be Robert Nkemdiche. Diche is going to have to be a monster this year if the Cardinals are going to get back on top of the NFC West and into the playoffs.
Most Disrespectful Blocker of the Year
This will be Evan Boehm. While D.J. Humphries and Jared Veldheer find their footing, and Mike Iupati stays healthy, I think Boehm breaks out as the best offensive lineman on this team. He will be a physical, nasty type in the middle for the Cardinals.
Rookie Who Will Make the Biggest Impact
Budda Baker will be able to get the most reps of any rookie on the field, at least in my opinion, which gives him the best shot to be an impact player. He is a lot like Tyrann Mathieu, has a nose for the big play and the football and will endear himself to fans quickly.
Dak Prescott Rookie Who Came out of Nowhere
Rudy Ford. The Cardinals love his athleticism and special teams ability, but he showed some flashes late in the preseason when he got healthy. He could be a guy who surprises a lot of people.
NFC West Team that Won’t Meet Expectations
The only team this could be would be the Seattle Seahawks, right? The Cardinals don’t meet expectations of being a fringe playoff team and things may start getting uncomfortable, LA Rams expectations are to... improve under their new coach, and the 49ers expectations are to compete for the first pick. It has to be the Seahawks, which means a sub 10 win season.
Which Cardinals Player will be the first fined for Celebrating?
John Brown, simply because he will be back and having some fun in 2017.
What do you think?