Jamell

Fleming

With seven interceptions in the last two seasons, Fleming offers fluidity in man to man coverage and an ability to go up and get the football. He received negative reviews after an average Senior Bowl performance, but when considering Fleming was forced to play in a zone intensive scheme under the Vikings staff, the criticisms were unwarranted. When focused, Fleming can jam at the line and stay physical during routes, but at times he looks overconfident or lazy when giving too much ground to his assignment.

His competition will be William Gay, A.J. Jefferson, and Greg Toler. Fleming is also expected to see some time at safety. Although neither is overly productive, it’s more likely that one of Jefferson or Gay lands the starting job. Arizona, like most teams, will run a ton of nickel to keep Fleming active on game days. His defensive usage will be determined in training camp.

Hoping to participate in OTAs this month and next, Toler is up to 198 pounds after gaining 11 pounds, mostly in his upper body. Toler is slated to battle William Gay, A.J. Jefferson and third-rounder Jamell Fleming for the starting job opposite Patrick Peterson.

Fleming was productive at Oklahoma over the last two seasons, showing power in man-to-man coverage and picking off seven passes. He has an outside shot at the starting corner job opposite Patrick Peterson, and a good chance to beat out Greg Toler and A.J. Jefferson for the No. 3 gig.

This will be a hotly contested position with Greg Toler and rookie Jamell Fleming also in the hunt. Michael Adams is the nickel back for now, although Gay could wind up covering the slot if Toler or Fleming wins the outside job. Patrick Peterson is the RCB in name, but he will shadow No. 1 receivers in 2012.

Greg Toler is the leading candidate to start opposite Patrick Peterson, but the Cardinals are intrigued by what they think Fleming can do in sub-defenses. Fleming displayed “exceptional quickness” and “change-of-direction skills” during OTAs, and profiles as a key contributor on special teams.

“It seems like every day he’s made a play on a ball, knocking it down or making an interception,” Whisenhunt said last week. “The thing that really jumped off the film to me was his quickness ... his change of direction is really, really outstanding. He’s a competitive guy, he’s big.” Fleming will give veterans William Gay and Greg Toler a run for the starting job opposite Patrick Peterson.

Peterson will probably shadow opposing No. 1 receivers this season, so Toler would match up with No. 2s. Coming off ACL surgery, Toler was limited during OTAs but should be a full-go by training camp. He’ll try to hold off competition from likely nickel back William Gay and third-round pick Jamell Fleming.

Fleming practiced on a limited basis Saturday, but there’s been no indication that he won’t be available. With Greg Toler (doubtful, hamstring) not expected to play, the Cardinals will enter Week 8 with just four active corners on their roster. Michael Adams (hamstring) practiced fully this week and is listed as probable.

Cornerback is suddenly crowded in Arizona with Patrick Peterson, Jerraud Powers, Antoine Cason, and Javier Arenas all ahead of old-regime holdover Fleming, and rookie FS Tyrann Mathieu also capable of playing or perhaps even starting at slot corner. Fleming was a major disappointment as a rookie, and the NFL track record of ex-Oklahoma Sooner defensive backs has been unkind.