Arizona Cardinals: Small school prospects to watch

Sep 24, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; UTEP Miners running back Aaron Jones (29) runs the ball against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; UTEP Miners running back Aaron Jones (29) runs the ball against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; St Francis University strong safety Lorenzo Jerome speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; St Francis University strong safety Lorenzo Jerome speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive small school prospects to watch

Grover Stewart – defensive line, Albany State (GA)

At 6’4″ and over 330 pounds, Grover Stewart is a massive and powerful defensive line prospect. Stewart is a big-bodied run-stuffer, who has also shown an ability to be disruptive as an interior pass-rusher. In a 3-4 defense he projects as a nose tackle, who could develop into a replacement for defensive tackle Corey Peters.

Collin Bevins – defensive line, Northwest Missouri State

More from Raising Zona

Defensive end Collin Bevins appears to be more of a priority free agent than a draft target, though it’s possible he could sneak into the seventh round. Bevins is a high-motor 3-4 defensive end, reminiscent of current Arizona Cardinal Josh Mauro. His background as a state champion high school wrestler gives him an enhanced understanding of leverage, and an ability to utilize his hands effectively.

Lorenzo Jerome – safety, Saint Francis (PA)

Lorenzo Jerome is a safety with exceptional instincts, but limited size and speed. If this sounds familiar, it’s because former Cardinal safety Tony Jefferson had a similar profile coming out of college. Jerome is about an inch shorter and ten pounds lighter than Jefferson, but he makes up for it by being one of the most instinctive safeties in the entire draft. Jerome seems like the kind of safety who could thrive in the Cardinals’ system.