Justin Bethel

Justin Bethel (foot) projects as Cardinals' starter

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (foot) is the "current starter," but the team plans to have an "open competition," general manager Steve Keim said.

What It Means:

Bethel missed a lot of time working with the starters in the offseason program due to a broken foot, but he should be ready for training camp. "We’ll play the best 11 out there, so whoever gives us a chance to succeed," Keim said. "He’s got to continue to hone his skills, more so with the eyes, the vision, the instinctual things that come with the game." Arizona added veteran Mike Jenkins earlier this week and plan to bring in Chris Culliver (knee) for a visit. Bethel finished last season in the starting lineup, but he won't just be handed the starting job.

The Cardinals ranked eighth in Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP per play in 2015. Our algorithms project Bethel for just 20.22 tackles and 1.28 interceptions in 2016.