Robert Nkemdiche is trying to make everyone remember why he was a first round draft pick
It’s disappointing for fans to watch their favorite team use a first round draft pick on a player that doesn’t contribute at all in year one. Words like “bust” and “waste” start getting tossed around.
It’s sure to be disappointing for coaches and teammates as well. The biggest disappointment, however, lies with the player himself. The inability to make any sort of impact has to hurt.
This offseason was a crossroads of sorts for Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche. After playing in just five games, and recording just a single assisted tackle, he had a decision to make. He had to either forget the past and work harder than ever, or accept defeat and fade into history.
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Nkemdiche was widely considered to be one of the most talented players in the 2016 NFL Draft. He was an explosive pass rusher, who dominated almost any time he wanted. Some questions about effort persisted, but it was an off the field incident that defined his draft experience. He wound up falling to the bottom of the first round.
Coaches saw a change in Nkemdiche this offseason. After reports that he wasn’t mature last year, he’s been more determined this year. It earned him some praise.
Nkemdiche’s ascendance is a necessity in 2017. Star defensive end Calais Campbell left as a free agent, and there was no obvious replacement available. The former first round pick makes the most sense.
The Hall of Fame game provided Nkemdiche with the first chance to prove his selection wasn’t a mistake. Against the Cowboys, he put the skills he showed in college on display. He didn’t play the whole game, but in limited action, he spent a large amount of time in the Dallas backfield. He blew past blockers, and changed the course of more than one play. It was a welcome sight for coaches and fans.
Obviously, one preseason game does not make a career or a season. It’s a positive step, though. Most importantly, it shows that Nkemdiche is ready to forget his rookie season, and push forward to prove himself. He looked good, and he looked hungry.
Nkemdiche has a ways to go. For now, after his first outing of 2017, it looks like he does not plan to go quietly into the annals of history.