2016 first round pick Robert Nkemdiche needs to produce in 2017
The Arizona Cardinals first round pick in 2016, Robert Nkemdiche, has a chance to shine in 2017. Nkemdiche will be needed much more with the loss of Calais Campbell, and will have to step into a position that has always been taken care of for the Cardinals. With players such as Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell, there has always been talent on the defensive line, and now it’s time for Nkemdiche to put 2016 behind him and produce in 2017.
Nkemdiche was the first round pick for the Cardinals in the 2016 draft. He was a stand out at Ole miss, and was projected to go in the top 10. However, thanks to off the field issues, he dropped to much later in the round. The Cardinals, who once took a chance on Tyrann Mathieu, which paid off tremendously, were trying to repeat history with the Nkemdiche pick.
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Unfortunately Nkemdiche’s start to his career was slowed down with an ankle Injury in training camp, and nothing good happened after that. He only played in 5 games and recorded one tackle. He was also called out by Bruce Arians for not being mature.
“Talent is not an issue, Maturity is, and it’s just not maturing.” Bruce Arians said during the 2016 season.
In 2015 it was DJ Humphries who was the first round pick and didn’t live up to expectations. He red shirted most of he season and then in 2016 showed his potential and had a starting spot. Could we see history repeats itself with Nkemdiche? Hopefully it does because Nkemdiche is loaded with talent and he would add a tremendous amount of skills to an already skilled and top 10 defense.
In 2017 Nkemdiche has his chance, and he needs to take it. With Campbell gone, he has all the opportunity in the world to earn the starting job, and prove to the coaches and the organization that he can be professional and make an impact.