Corner spot key battle at camp

Healthy Bethel could get the job opposite Peterson

KENT SOMERS

What would a football training camp be without competition for starting jobs? And what would a Cardinals training camp be like with a clear starter at the cornerback spot opposite of Patrick Peterson? In both instances, unusual. With the Cardinals holding their first practice on Saturday, here’s a look at a few positions where the names at the top of the depth chart are written in pencil, not ink.

not as if he was prepared to face the pressure that comes with playing opposite Peterson, whom quarterbacks tend to avoid.

The last receiving positions

Arians raved about the depth at the position all spring, saying a dozen or so of them can play in the NFL.

We’ll withhold judgment on guys such as Carlton Agudosi, Larry Clark and Krishawn Hogan. Cardinals history is full of receivers who were phenoms in camp and phantoms during the regular season.

But the position is deep, and barring injuries, the players who make the roster coming out of camp will have earned it.

There doesn’t appear to be more than two jobs open, and that’s if the Cardinals keep six receivers, which isn’t a given.

Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, J.J. Nelson and Chad Williams are sure things. Jaron Brown looked good this spring as he rehabilitated from knee surgery. He was about to become a starter when he was hurt last year, and he excels on special teams.

Brittan Golden shouldn’t be dismissed, either. He’s made the regular roster the past two seasons and also contributes on special teams.

Jeremy Ross played well after joining the team late last year, and Arians and his staff are intrigued by Aaron Dobson, a second-round pick by the Patriots in 2013.

Right guard

I’m listing this only because Evan Boehm started only once at this spot last year, in the final game. But I don’t think this will be much of a competition at all.

Boehm played well in the final two games of 2016 (one as a replacement). He added strength in the offseason, and as the son of a high school coach, he’s always possessed the necessary intelligence and passion for the game.

Dorian Johnson, the fourth-round pick, is supposed to be more NFL-ready than recent offensive linemen the Cardinals have drafted, but I don’t see him making a serious challenge to Boehm this year.

Offensive coordinator/line coach Harold Goodwin isn’t crazy about playing rookies, and protecting quarterback Carson Palmer is too important to take a chance on a rookie.