J.J. Arrington

Arrington isn't likely to play a significant role in 2008. He will be used as a change-of-pace running back and could see time as an occasional kickoff returner. An offseason arrest won't help his chances to make an impact.

Arrington enters training camp as Arizona's third-down back. With new head coach Ken Whisenhunt planning to run the ball about 60 percent of the time, Arrington should exceed last season's 22 touches. He's well behind starter Edgerrin James and isn't a good bet for goal-line carries because of Marcel Shipp's presence. Arrington is not likely to reprise his 2006 role as the Cardinals' primary kick returner.

Arrington is the leading candidate to backup Edgerrin James in 2006. While he will receive some competition from Marcel Shipp for the number two spot, the Cardinals like Arrington's upside. His rookie season was a bust (five starts, 3.3 yards per carry, two touchdowns), but the Cardinals are not giving up on Arrington. Don't expect him to put up great stats unless Edgerrin James gets hurt, but Arrington could contribute here and there as a change-of-pace back. 9/3 Update: Arrington will serve as the Cardinals' top kick returner this season, which boosts his fantasy value. He is Arizona's second-string running back behind James, and probably won't see many offensive touches. His best bet for fantasy success is as a returner.

A small, compact back with good burst and excellent breakaway speed, Arrington finds himself in the mix for the Cardinals’ starting tailback job. Arrington won’t move the pile, but he has a strong base and is able to break tackles and drive forward for extra yards. Arrington also has decent hands and should have a role in the passing game. The chief competition for Arrington’s job is Marcel Shipp, who is returning from a broken leg and dislocated ankle. Given Arizona spent its second-round pick on Arrington, and coach Dennis Green chose the ancient Emmitt Smith over Shipp last season (before Shipp got hurt), the job could be Arrington’s to lose. Troy Hambrick also is nominally in the mix, and could even see some goal-line touches, but Hambrick lacks the quickness and speed to be a viable solution. There are concerns that Arrington (5-9, 214) lacks the size to be an every-down back, so a timeshare is also a possibility.