TEMPE, Ariz. -- To put Justin Bethel's career in perspective, what he’s accomplished as a defensive back is much more impressive than the two Pro Bowls he made as a gunner -- especially when you consider, by his own accord, that he didn’t play defensive back much in college.

He went from 10 defensive snaps as a rookie in 2012 to none in 2013 to 93 last season, according to ESPN Stats & Information. And while his future is secure on special teams, it’s not so safe as a defensive back. Not yet.

Bethel said there are two areas he can improve in, and both can make him more versatile and appealing to defensive coordinators.

“I would say always work on your coverage skills as a corner and just my confidence out there, knowing that I have the ability to go out there and play with those guys and be great at it,” Bethel said.

So, how does a career special-teamer go about adding cornerback skills to his résumé?

“It takes practice,” he said. “Really, I’ve only been playing (cornerback) since I got out of college. I really didn’t play it that much (in college). I’ve only been playing corner for really two years. All of these guys have been playing corner and that’s all they've played.

“I’m getting the hang of it. I feel like I’m getting to the point where I can be a great asset to the defense.”

Bethel spent the Pro Bowl studying some of the game’s elite corners -- including teammates Patrick Peterson and Antonio Cromartie -- and incorporating their games into his.

Compared to most, if not all, of the cornerbacks in the league, Bethel is starting his development in the secondary at the ground level. But the hardest part isn’t facing taller, stronger receivers.

“You've got to think,” he said. “I’m doing everything backward and I've got to read everything that they’re doing. With the new rules you can’t touch them, you can’t grab them. It definitely makes it tough.

“But I definitely feel I have the capabilities to do it at a high level.”