NFC West: Quick-take 2020 projection for 49ers, their rivals
By Peter Panacy
Arizona Cardinals
Notable Additions: WR DeAndre Hopkins, DT Jordan Phillips, LB De’Vondre Campbell, LB Devon Kennard
Notable Subtractions: DL Rodney Gunter, RB David Johnson
Round 1 NFL Draft Picks: No. 8 Overall
The Cardinals had to ship off running back David Johnson as part of the deal for DeAndre Hopkins. But considering the emergence of fellow running back Kenyan Drake last season, it seems likely Johnson was little more than an excess piece to head coach Kliff Kingsbury‘s offense.
That offense proved problematic for the 49ers in both games the teams played against each other last season, particularly in regards to the Niners defense having to deal with then-rookie quarterback Kyler Murray.
Murray gets a flashy new weapon in Hopkins, who seems to be taking the reins from future Hall of Fame wideout Larry Fitzgerald. And if Murray takes that second-year leap, he and Arizona’s offense could cause plenty of problems for San Francisco’s defense for years to come.
The Cardinals may still be at the bottom of the NFC West totem pole. But the addition of Hopkins, along with some defensive moves in linebackers De’Vondre Campbell and Devon Kennard, could make them serious dark-horse threats for a playoff run this season.
At the worst, Arizona could leapfrog the Rams within the division.