Cardinals' Peterson gives Nelson vote of confidence

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver J.J. Nelson could be in for a breakout season, according to his teammate Patrick Peterson.

Nelson caught 11 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games during his rookie year, while trying to carve a role in the Cardinals' potent, multi-pronged passing game.

The 24-year-old turned heads at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2015 when he posted a 4.28 40-yard dash time, and his straight-line speed is an asset in multiple receiver formations. Peterson was sufficiently impressed by Nelson and believes he could make a leap during his sophomore year.

"I believe J.J. Nelson's going to have a great year," Peterson told reporters Tuesday. "He had a great, great spring, showed some flashes. I can't wait to see what he's going to do here if he can keep that momentum going into summer camp because I've seen it happen a number of times."

Peterson also warned that Nelson will need to carry his strong form into the regular season after impressing teammates and personnel during the spring workouts.

"Guys have great springs but once they get in front of a couple of fans and the crowd, the lights come on, you get a different player,” Peterson said. "So J.J. is definitely one of them that had a great spring."