TEMPE, Ariz. -- It didn't take long into the Arizona Cardinals' offseason program for Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson to be given his assignment for 2018 by his new coaches: Stick with the offense’s No. 1 receiver like glue.

As much as things changes, they don't.

Peterson is no stranger to this role. Defending a team's top receiving threat has been his job for most of his career. But recently Peterson has seen the downside of being, well, good at his craft: He rarely gets thrown to anymore. Last season, his target percentage was 10.2, the lowest among all cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. Over the past two seasons, Peterson's 11.1 target percentage was the second-lowest among all corners but the lowest among corners who had more than 900 cover snaps.

Peterson called his lack of opportunities frustrating and hopes the Cardinals can make the right moves this offseason to make quarterbacks have to throw his way.

"I believe if we're able to get a true No. 2 cornerback that's solidified itself in this game, in this league, I think quarterbacks won't have an option anymore," Peterson said. "Then he'd have to go with his gut feeling or he has to go with his first read or he has to pretty much second-guess himself on both sides of the field now. So, I believe, if we can get us another corner that can stand up, make plays, build a name for himself, that would present more opportunities for me."

As of now, the Cardinals don't have that cornerback who'll start opposite Peterson after letting veteran Tramon Williams walk in free agency.

There's a handful on the roster who could compete for the job if Arizona doesn't add any other corners to their roster.

Bene Benwikere and Lou Young both played for new Cardinals coach Steve Wilks in Carolina, which gives them familiarity with his defensive scheme. Brandon Williams, who the Cardinals drafted in the third round in 2016, will be entering his third season as a defensive back.

Wilks feels having both Benwikere and Young will help spread Wilks' message since both have experience under him.

As for Williams, Wilks sounds like he likes what he sees out of the converted running back.

"I think the biggest thing in watching him on tape, he has the skill set," Wilks said. “I just love the length.

"The physicality. The skillset. He got to continue to be a student of the game. I think that's going to be the difference with him this year taking that next step. He has that skillset, but it's all about now trying to (transfer) that classroom to the field."

Then there's the draft.

In various mock drafts, the Cardinals have been linked to the likes of Iowa's Josh Jackson and Louisville's Jaire Alexander.

2018 NFL DRAFT Round 1: Thursday, 8 p.m., ESPN/ESPN App

Rounds 2-3: Friday, 7 p.m., ESPN/ESPN App

Rounds 4-7: Sat., noon, ESPN/ABC/ESPN App

Where: Arlington, Texas

NFL draft coverage » | Full order: 1-256 » • Kiper's final Mock Draft: 1-32 »

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Earlier this week, Wilks revealed he has a type of cornerback he prefers.

"I love the long, tall corners," Wilks said.

Five of Mel Kiper's top 10 corners stand 6-foot or taller, giving the Cardinals options to land a tall, lengthy cornerback in the first -- and possibly second -- round.

Peterson truly believes if the Cardinals can find a complementary partner at the other corner position, he would be able to see more action. It's as simple as that.

"If we can find a solid No. 2 corner to make it kind of difficult for a quarterback to pick and choose which side he wants to go on, then that would make not only me but the defense a lot better," Peterson said. "So, in terms of if we have a No. 2 over there that he knows he can consistently win on, why would he try 21? So, I feel if we get us a solid No. 2 corner like we did in Tramon, because he played solid for us the last eight games, then we can be very, very dangerous and also present more opportunities for me."

But Peterson doesn't see the addition of, as he calls it, "a solid No. 2" as a benefit to just him. It'll also benefit that No. 2 cornerback.

He referred to the last few years to make his point.

"I think it's a great opportunity for the guy who's coming and playing aside of me to make a name for himself, make those plays," Peterson said. "If they become a free agent to go get that big payday because they're going to have opportunities to make plays. And pretty much every one who left here playing for the league minimum, they end up going to another team getting a pretty big dollar. I think definitely it’s good to see those guys relish that moment in Tramon, Jerraud [Powers], [Antonio] Cromatie, which was another good one to play with me for a year.

"So, just to see those guys come in and embrace that moment and embrace the fact that you're going to get targets, I mean it speaks volumes to those guys. I wouldn't necessarily say I'm frustrated with not having a consistent No. 2 corner that I can call a tandem."