Arizona Cardinals: Revisiting the 2014 draft class

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Troy Niklas (87) against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. Troy Niklas, Tight End

The tight end position has been the Arizona Cardinals’ Achilles heel offensively and defensively for the past few seasons. With the failed Rob Housler project, the Arizona Cardinals drafted Troy Niklas in the second round out of Notre Dame to help address their woes at the position.

Niklas was the victim of a string of bad luck as a rookie. He began his NFL career recovering from a hernia surgery, and promptly broke his hand in June. After playing only 7 games, Niklas was put on the injured reserve as he suffered a high left ankle sprain. Niklas finished the season with 3 receptions for 38 years.

While Benson is expected to be the starting tight end this season, Niklas should have plenty of opportunities to learn and grow as an NFL player.