Cardinals’ 2017 draft class likely to have greater impact than 2016
Last year's Cardinals draft class played a total of 594 snaps on offense and defense, ranking 31st in the NFL for rookie snaps.
Arizona Cardinals first round draft pick Haason Reddick works out during an NFL football rookie minicamp at the team's training facility, Friday, May 12, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
Last year’s Cardinals draft class played a total of 594 snaps on offense and defense, ranking 31st in the NFL for rookie snaps.
In comparison, the Vikings’ rookie class was last in the league with 347 snaps, while the Browns had 14 draft picks and finished first overall with 5,521 snaps.
When it comes to the Cardinals, this year’s top three draft picks should be able to contribute more than the team’s entire 2016 draft class.
Looking back at the 2016 draft class total snaps
DT Robert Nkemdiche: (89) 83 on defense, 6 on special teams (1.3%)
CB Brandon Williams: (387) 240 on defense, 147 on special teams (30.8%)
RG Evan Boehm: (204) 122 on offense, 82 on special teams (17.2%)
DB Harlan Miller: (172) 139 on defense, 33 on special teams (6.9%)
OL Cole Toner: (19) 10 on offense, 9 on special teams (1.9%)
S Marqui Christian: (0) was released on September 27th, claimed by the Rams
Based on the 2017 class, my projection for their greater impact this season:
1st rd LB Haason Reddick: Will play ILB, OLB and special teams
2nd round DB Budda Baker: Has versatility at CB, S and special teams
3rd round WR Chad Williams: Shows decisive speed and strong hands, likely fifth WR
4th round G Dorian Johnson: Provides depth, guard is his natural position
5th round OT Will Holden: Effective size could be the future swing tackle
5th round RB-KR T.J. Logan: Offers depth in the backfield, option at KR
6th round DB Rudy Ford: Drafted to play CB but eventually play S
All seven draft picks should make the 53-man roster, but at least one or two could be inactive on game day depending on injuries throughout the season. They may also be practice squad options if they clear waivers.
Of course, only time will tell how much of a mark this year’s class will make in their rookie seasons, and only then we will see how they compare with last year’s.
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Comments
11 Comments
I've got good news for you. As of Monday, the Cardinals were 13 million under the salary cap and that's with all their rookies signed. Any veteran cut during training camp will most likely command the veterans minimum only. Ergo.....they have plenty of money.
Agree with you on the O line. Since SK took over, it seems that the Cards always have good back ups to play in case of an injury.
In just the few years that SK has been here, he has drafted seven O linemen,
brought in two big name FA's ( Veldheer , Iupati ) and and another six off the street or another teams PS.
Something that past Cardinal teams didn't have, good depth in the O line room, and have the flexability to plug guys in where needed.
I like this O line, and with the quality of the players on the roster as either starters / back ups, it might just be one of the best ever Cardinal O lines ever, as well as one of the best in the NFL this season.
Like the team did last season, I hope that they can keep 9 O linemen on the final 53 man roster.
Hell, I expect the 2016 draft class to have more of an impact in 2017 that they did in 2016. Which isn't hard to do when your first pick didn't play and you released another before the season started.