Aaron Francisco

Francisco has proven that he can be a solid contributor off the bench -- he has 136 tackles in 42 games over the past three seasons -- but he has yet to break into the starting lineup and his roster spot is in jeopardy this season. Arizona signed veteran cornerback Bryant McFadden during the offseason and the Cardinals drafted two defensive backs in the first four rounds of April’s draft. As a result, Francisco’s already limited playing time should take a hit in 2009.

Francisco enters training camp as the Cardinals' top safety off the bench. When he gets a chance to play, he's a decent tackler (19 in three starts last year), but he isn't in line for a significant role at this point.

Francisco suffers considerably from Arizona's offseason acquisition of safety Terrence Holt. The duo will battle for the Cardinals' starting free safety job during training camp. Holt, who has more experience and a better rapport with Arizona's Pro Bowl strong safety Adrian Wilson, has a good chance of winning that battle. Francisco should see some time in dime situations, but he's not likely to serve as Arizona's nickelback. He would be an enticing sleeper if he had better prospects for playing time.