Arizona Cardinals Continue Tradition of Small School Rookies

May 16, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Chad Williams during team OTA workouts at the Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Chad Williams during team OTA workouts at the Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) delivers a straight arm to Georgia Southern Eagles linebacker Ironhead Gallon (27) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) delivers a straight arm to Georgia Southern Eagles linebacker Ironhead Gallon (27) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Cardinals undrafted free agents from small schools

Defensive Lineman Collin Bevins

Prior to the 2017 NFL draft, I highlighted seven small school prospects that might be a good fit for the Arizona Cardinals. Two of these seven prospects were among the undrafted rookie free agents signed by the Cardinals. Bevins was one of these prospects. As I previously noted, Bevins is a high-motor defensive end with good hands and limited ability as a pass rusher. In many ways, he is reminiscent of current Cardinals defensive end Josh Mauro.

Safety Ironhead Gallon

Gallon is a strong safety with a nose for the ball, and measurables that are comparable to current Cardinals’ dollar linebacker Deone Bucannon. As such, it seems likely that the Cardinals see Gallon playing a similar position. Like most of these undrafted prospects, Gallon will probably need to contribute on special teams if he hopes to make the team.

Wide Receiver Krishawn Hogan

Krishawn Hogan is the second player from this list whom I highlighted prior to the draft. Hogan is an intriguing prospect, who took the long road to the NFL. He is a big receiver with a build similar to Larry Fitzgerald, who dominated a low level of college competition. Subsequently, Hogan could project as a slot receiver in Arians’ offense, similar to Chad Williams.

Linebacker Tre’Von Johnson

Johnson’s draft profile describes him as a productive linebacker who is tenacious, and has a good nose for the football. Though he is a bit undersized as an inside linebacker, this is likely where he projects in the Cardinals defense. Johnson is another prospect who needs to make his mark on special teams if he hopes to stick with the team.

Next: The case for waiting on a quarterback

Tight End Steven Wroblewski

Wroblewski is a big tight end prospect, who needs to add strength and develop as a receiver. Like all undrafted free agents, he will have a difficult time making the 53-man roster. His chances might be helped, however, by the uncertainty on the tight end depth chart. After staring tight end Jermaine Gresham, the tight ends on the roster are all unproven.