Arizona Cardinals Draft Profiles: Noah Spence

Noah Spence – OLB
Eastern Kentucky – Redshirt Junior
6-3, 254 Pounds
63 tackles, 22.5 tfl, 11.5 sacks, 2 fumble recovery, 3 forced fumbles

When the Cardinals played in the playoff finale against the Carolina Panthers, I noticed that they barely got any pressure on Cam Newton. Even Steve Keim, the General Manager, said priority number one is a pass rush, and that’s where I start for my first player profile, Noah Spence from Eastern Kentucky.

Noah Spence is an unbelievable talent, and really had put a great set of game tape during his Redshirt Junior year. He is fast, physical, and fits almost any defensive scheme fit. Spence, though he seems like a sure-fire first round selection, has had some legal problems since his Sophomore season at Ohio State. Not to worry Cardinals fans, if there is any team who can take a talented yet troubled athlete under his wing, it’s Bruce Arians and Steve Keim.

Spence had an incredible Redshirt Junior season, posting 63 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. He played his heart out, and by the time Senior Bowl rolled around, he has gained notoriety as the fast first step off the edge. If the teams before the Cardinals take a chance on his character (like Rex Ryan even cares),  then Noah Spence will be gone by the time the Cardinals select. But it seems more ideal, like when Tyrann Mathieu came to the Cardinals, for Spence to get his redemption shot.

Many have Noah Spence located all over the draft board, initially from top-10 all the way to the middle of the second round. There are plenty of teams who will be interested, and seeing how Bud Dupree fared so well in the draft last year, I could see something similar happening for Spence. Spence is more of a linebacker prospect then Dupree, should be interesting how he develops.