Cardinals' Justin Bethel: Penciled in as starting CB

Bethel (foot) is penciled in as one of the Cardinals' starting cornerbacks in advance of training camp, the team's official site reports. "Obviously Justin is the current starter, but it's always going to be an open competition," general manager Steve Keim said Tuesday. "Knowing [coach] Bruce Arians and his staff, we'll play the best 11 out there, so whoever gives us a chance to succeed. But we have expectations for Justin."

Analysis:

Keim commented in the wake of the Cardinals making one of their classic veteran signings -- cornerback Mike Jenkins inked a deal Tuesday -- at least under his reign over the past three and a half years. Jenkins provides experience to a group of CBs lacking in that department outside of Patrick Peterson (ankle), but the vote of confidence in Bethel certainly bodes well for his prospects. Although Bethel enters camp in the latter stages of his recovery from a fractured foot, he put together a decent sample size as a starting corner late last season, racking up 25 tackles, four passes defended, and one interception in four games (including playoffs).