Arians: Cardinals set at RB and WR

Coach says positions aren’t a top priority for upcoming NFL draft

Over the next month, the focus for Cardinals fans, and of those in the organization, will be on what the team needs in the draft.

Earlier this week, however, coach Bruce Arians noted the Cardinals don’t need immediate help at two position groups: running back and receiver.

At running back, Arians likes the look of his depth chart. David Johnson is the starter and is backed up by Kerwynn Williams and Elijhaa Penny. Chris Johnson and Stepfan Taylor, backups last season, remain on the free-agent market. Depth could be added via lower-rung picks and rookie free agents.

“I’m fine right now,” Arians said this week at the NFL’s annual meeting. “I think Kerwynn has proven every time he plays he gets 100 yards. Everybody says he’s too small. He just gets 100 yards every time he steps out there.”

Williams became a more versatile player last season, Arians said. His pass-blocking improved and he contributed on special teams for the first time. Coaches also discovered Williams was effective running from the Wildcat formation. In practices, Williams took direct snaps as part of the scout team and was so impressive Arians and his offensive staff incorporated it into the game plan.

“That Wildcat stuff – not one of those plays was blocked right,” Arians said. “He just made somebody miss and went and got 15-20 yards. That’s his ability. He’s a really good little pass blocker.”

Penny spent last season on the practice squad. He is listed at 247 pounds, but Arians said Penny is down to 235. Coaches want him to continue to lose weight.

“He learned what it’s like to be an NFL player now,” Arians said. “We’ll slim him down. He’s got really light feet and great hands, if we can make him a little more shifty.”

Arians sees similar depth at receiver, even though the team released Michael Floyd last December and this could be Larry Fitzgerald’s last season.

Drafting a receiver high isn’t necessary, Arians said, because of several reasons.

John Brown, hindered by sickle cell trait a year ago, is healthier. Jaron Brown is ahead of schedule is his re-