Arizona Cardinals: It’s time to trust Steve Keim

What’s next?

So here we are. On the cusp of the 2017 NFL Draft, and gazing into an uncertain future. How can a team that has lost so many talented players expect to improve its record? Part of the answer lies in parity. The difference between a losing record and a playoff run is often a matter of injuries and a few things going right or wrong.

For the Cardinals, however, part of the answer involves trusting Steve Keim. Part of the reason teams like the Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the New England Patriots have had enduring success, is that they draft well and aren’t afraid to let players leave in free agency. Certainly having a hall of fame quarterback like Tom Brady helps – a lot.

But these teams have historically built their roster around a few key stars, a handful of mid-tier veterans on modest contracts, and a revolving door of good players on rookie contracts. In other words, these teams are not afraid to watch some of their talented players walk, because they have drafted players who will step in and take their place.

Losing Calais Campbell was difficult – from both a fan perspective, and an X’s and O’s perspective. But Steve Keim drafted defensive linemen Rodney Gunter and Robert Nkemdiche for a reason. For fans who watched Tony Jefferson develop from an undrafted rookie into a top safety, it was hard to see him leave. But the Cardinals have shown an ability to get solid play out of whomever they line up at safety.

The point is that the Cardinals knew this day was coming, and have been drafting accordingly. It’s scary to trust that a young, unproven player like Robert Nkemdiche will step in and be a reasonable facsimile of a star like Calais Campbell. But that’s what teams like the Steelers, Ravens, and Patriots have done for decades.

Next: A post-free agnecy look at positions to address in the 2017 draft

So this is where fans have to put their trust of Steve Keim to the test. It was easy to trust him when the team was ascending, but now that it’s retooling, do you trust his plan? Do you trust that he is making smart moves by investing in cornerstone positions like pass rusher, and letting talented players at other positions walk? Do you trust that the players he drafted over the past few years will step in and perform? Do you believe that, even if 2017 is another down season, Steve Keim is positioning the team for long-term success?