ESPN: Cardinals would take CB Bradberry in 2016 re-draft
Feb 28, 2017, 2:09 PM
When it comes to the NFL Draft, there really is no such thing as a do-over.
But wouldn’t it be fun if there was?
The premise was taken on by Sports Illustrated, who had the Cardinals snagging QB Jared Goff in the re-draft, and in ESPN’s version, the Cardinals instead land a cornerback.
ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss writes:
Re-draft pick: James Bradberry, CB, Samford
Actual pick: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
Nkemdiche was a top-five talent who fell into Arizona’s lap, but didn’t pan out during his rookie year as expected. Cornerback opposite Patrick Peterson was the Cardinals’ liability all season long, even with consistent starter Marcus Cooper in the lineup. Bradberry had the unenviable task of replacing Josh Norman as the Panthers’ No. 1 corner. With the Cardinals, he would’ve transitioned to the NFL from an FCS school without the spotlight. He had two interceptions, six pass breakups and six passes defensed, which would’ve given the Cardinals the peace of mind they needed as quarterbacks stayed away from Peterson.
Nkemdiche did not have the season many expected him to have in his first year. The defensive lineman suffered an ankle injury in training camp and went on to appear in just five games. Cardinals’ head coach Bruce Arians had issues with Nkemdiche’s maturity, but by the end of the season was praising the rookie’s growth.
Bradberry, on the other hand, was a contributor for the Panthers. The rookie who was actually a second-round pick played in 13 games and notched 59 tackles, along with his two picks.
For those wondering, ESPN had the Los Angeles Rams selecting Dak Prescott first overall in the re-draft.
