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RB J.J. Arrington, Arizona Cardinals

HT: 5-11, WT: 210, Born: 1-23-1983, College: California, Drafted: Round 2

2008 Projections

Best Case

J.J. Arrington is not the stud, every down back that some thought he could be coming out of the University of California. Arrington just isn't good enough between the tackles, and tends to get engulfed by the defense. He has transformed himself into a decent option as a receiver out of the backfield, and that's where his current value is. If Edgerrin James were to miss a number of games due to injury Arrington would become a bigger part of what undoubtedly would be a RBBC in Arizona. Marcel Shipp or Tim Hightower would get a majority of the carries, and Arrington would see more 3rd down plays.

Worst Case

The backfield is getting crowded in Arizona with the likes of Marcel Shipp and Tim Hightower, as well as Arrington, backing up the great Edgerrin James. We've seen that to be most effective J.J. can be used as nothing more than a change of pace back that catches passes out of the backfield. Thus, Arrington is fairly one dimensional because defenses know with an almost certainty that when he's in the game -- it's going to be a pass play. J.J. has limited value, and his role could diminish if the Cardinals want to get either Shipp or Hightower more playing time.

Outlook

For a 2nd round pick J.J. Arrington isn't a colossal bust, but he's not a player that has exactly worked out as planned. In 2007 we saw about what we can expect from Arrington each season. He can be a good relief valve receiver, but if asked to do more the consistent production just won't be there.

Relevant Articles

2008 Schedule

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Arrington returned kick offs for the Cardinals and came in when the Arizona offense was in third and long situations and when they were in their three or four-receiver sets. He rushed the ball four times for six yards.

Week 2 - Former top draft pick J.J. Arrington has become a forgotten man in fantasy circles. He came in to spell James occasionally, and the Cardinals were not afraid to put the ball in his hands. He saw considerably more time than the supposed backup, Marcel Shipp.

Week 3 - Arrington had a few touches spelling Edgerrin James. His only targets came while Leinart was in the game. Arrington also saw action as a kick off returner.

Week 5 - Arrington did have one big play in the game as he caught a pass in the flat and took it 32 yards late in the first half. He also added a one carry for four yards.

Week 6 - Arrington had no rushes on the night, but did return two kickoffs, one for 56 yards. He ended the night with 76 return yards on the night.

Week 7 - Arrington was in the game often in the passing packages for the Arizona Cardinals. He posted four receptions for 47 yards and had one carry for two yards.

Week 9 - Arrington rushed for seven yards on two draw plays. He caught one pass out of the backfield for 11 yards.

Week 10 - Arrington rushed for 15 yards on three runs, but was more productive as a receiver hauling in two balls for 32 yards. Late in the second quarter, he had a 37 yard reception nullified by an illegal blocking penalty.

Week 11 - Arrington caught one pass from Warner, and did not have any runs.

Week 12 - Arrington spelled James on a couple of series and had two runs for four yards. He caught five balls out of the backfield for 26 yards.

Week 14 - Arrington was used mainly in four and five receiver sets and was targeted twice out of the backfield for 22 yards. His longest was 15 yards.

Week 15 - Arrington was used mainly in four and five receiver sets and was targeted once out of the backfield for 13 yards. He ran hard and had three carries for only eight yards.

Week 16 - Arrington caught a four yard touchdown pass in the first half. He only carried the ball once for no gain.

Week 17 - Arrington had only four rushes for two yards. He caught one ball for three yards.