Is Rashad Johnson the Next Adrian Wilson for the Arizona Cardinals?

(Photo by Jonathan Willey/Getty Images)

Rookie safety Rashad Johnson, yanked from the third round of the NFL Draft, could be the next Adrian Wilson if all goes according to plan.

Darnell Dockett made a "major announcement" in the Twitter universe on July 6, proclaiming that the Cardinals would again be at the top of the NFC West this coming year.

He could be right—the addition of Johnson, alongside newcomers Will Davis, Trevor Canfield, LaRod Stephens-Howling, and Herman Johnson, helps to round out an already promising team for next year. The only issue is finding a place to put them in the lineup this coming year, and that includes Johnson.

The University of Alabama alum has big dreams and would like to become a franchise player like Wilson, telling the media, "Just like getting to the NFL was a goal, now that I am sitting here, I want to achieve more."

Johnson has high hopes, like many rookies in the NFL this year, but he will have to climb the depth chart to get playing time. Like Wilson, Johnson will play a big role on special teams his first year in the big leagues and will have to work to get a starting job on defense next year. 

The Cardinals are not without capable players at the safety position. Of course, there's Mr. Wilson at the forefront, but there's also Matt Ware, Antrel Rolle, and the newly signed Keith Lewis. If Johnson wants playing time (and the attention of defensive coordinator Bill Davis or secondary coach Teryl Austin), he'll have to show his strengths in the line of duty on special teams first.

If all goes according to plan, Johnson could become a vital part of the defense for the Cardinals in the coming years, both on special teams and as a free safety. He has the resume and the work ethic to back up his abilities—starting as a walk-on for the Crimson Tide, he was a 2007 Coaches First Team All-SEC selection and earned the starting spot at safety in 2007 after working on special teams.

He's shown before that he has the drive to be a great player; only time will tell if he will be able to deliver in Glendale.

"To be like [Wilson], to be a franchise player and a leader, I will work for that day in and day out.”

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