Arizona Cardinals: 2017 draft grades

The Arizona Cardinals have completed their draft with seven selections over three days

The Arizona Cardinals were able to not only take care of some needs during the three days of the 2017 NFL Draft, they were able to get quality players in the process. In all, the Cardinals were able to find very good players on offense and defense.

Grading out these players now is all about what’s on paper and the potential these young men have. By the time these players make it to training camp and ultimately to the regular season, the hope is all of these players continue to prove the Cardinals right.

The picks:

Haason Reddick, S, Temple – 1st round

You can’t help but be excited about what he brings to the table. He was All-AAC at Temple. He’s a hard-hitter. The Cardinals really like this guy. He should make an immediate impact. Grade: A

Budda Baker, S, Washington – 2nd round

The Cardinals liked Baker so much they actually traded up to get him. That has been a move unheard of in the the Steve Keim-era. The Cardinals gave up a couple of picks but in the end the reward of getting Baker is greater. Grade: A

Chad Williams, WR, Grambling State – 3rd round

Many people have never seen Williams much less heard of him. Some locals do remember him from 2016 when Grambling State played at the University of Arizona. He had 13 catches for 152-yards that night. He had over 3,000-yards receiving in college. Very good choice. Grade: B+

Dorian Johnson, G, Pittsburgh – 4th round

Johnson has good size and is a good blocker. Some felt he was a better than fourth-round talent. There are concerns about his health but the Cardinals spent a lot of time scouting him, so they feel there are no issues in taking him. Grade: B+

Will Holden, T, Vanderbilt – 5th round

Clearly the Cardinals were interested in setting up their offensive line for years to come. Holden at 6’7 has excellent size. Holden could possibly be starting within a year or two once some veterans move on. Grade: B

T.J. Logan, RB, North Carolina – 5th round

The Cardinals had been rumored to be interested in drafting a running back this year. Some were wondering why they’d be interested given it wasn’t a huge need. It’s a low-risk pick that has high-reward potential given his versatility. Could be a returner. Grade: A-

Johnathan Ford, S, Auburn – 6th round

Anytime a team moves up to get you, they must really want you. The Cardinals traded back into the 6th round, giving up two 7th round picks, to select Ford. His nickname is “Rudy”. Does that tell you anything? Grade: B+

Overall the Cardinals selections all have very good value. They didn’t get a cornerback but coach Bruce Arians indicated a couple of weeks ago they were happy with what they had there.

They also didn’t draft a quarterback but they’ve talked extensively how they had to love one to take one. They apparently didn’t love any of them and that’s alright. Overall grade: A-

Home/Cardinals Draft