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Arizona Cardinals: 10 who will fight for jobs in ’17

By Scott Allen

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (90) against the New York Jets at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (90) against the New York Jets at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Hakeem Valles (89) fends off Denver Broncos defensive back Shiloh Keo (33) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Hakeem Valles (89) fends off Denver Broncos defensive back Shiloh Keo (33) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Hakeem Valles

A surprise to the 53-man roster to start the season, many had not heard of Valles before 2016. He was an undrafted rookie out of Monmouth.

Valles played in 11 games in his rookie season, starting one.  However he was more of a help in blocking than he was receiving.

He did not tally a single reception in 2016.  Then again, the Cardinals haven’t been known to go looking for tight ends for their catching ability.  It helps, but in Bruce Arians system you need to be a great blocking tight end.

That may ultimately keep Valles in the mix for 2017 but the lack of production may end up hurting him in the end.  Valles will be around for training camp.  A lot will depend on his competition.

However look for the Cardinals to employ at least four tight ends again in 2017.  Staying healthy will be the key.

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