Arizona Cardinals Continue Tradition of Small School Rookies

The Arizona Cardinals have a history with rookies from small schools, and 2017 was no exception.

Under General Manager Steve Keim, the Arizona Cardinals have a history of drafting players from small schools. Overall, this strategy has been successful. Players like running back David Johnson, defensive lineman Rodney Gunter, and wide receivers John Brown and J.J. Nelson all hail from small schools.

The Cardinals continued this tradition in 2017 by selecting Grambling wide receiver Chad Williams in the third round, with the 98th overall pick. In addition to Williams, the Cardinals agreed to terms with five undrafted rookie free agents from small schools. This list includes NW Missouri State defensive lineman Collin Bevins, Georgia Southern safety Ironhead Gallon, Marian wide receiver Krishawn Hogan, Weber State linebacker Tre’Von Johnson, and Southern Utah tight end Steven Wroblewski.

Aside from draftee Chad Williams, most of these players will not likely make the Cardinals’ roster, though a number of them could end up on the practice squad. Let’s look at each of these rookies, and how they project with the Cardinals.

Wide Receiver Chad Williams

As a third round pick, it stands to reason that Williams should have the best chance at carving out a meaningful role with the Cardinals. Some draft pundits deemed the Williams pick a reach, but such sentiments are common when a team selects a small school player. Ultimately, the Cardinals saw something they liked in Williams – and his pro day 40 yard dash time of 4.43 seconds is probably a big part of that.

Historically, Coach Bruce Arians likes two kinds of receivers in his offense – small fast receivers, and slot receivers who can block. Hines Ward is the archetype of Arians’ blocking slot receiver, and Larry Fitgerald currently holds down the position. At  6’1″ and 204 pounds, Williams appears to have adequate size to develop as the heir apparent for this role.