Arizona Cardinals could find gold in later rounds
By Jim Koch
The early rounds of the NFL draft get more attention, but the Arizona Cardinals could find gems in the latter stages as well
Fans of the Arizona Cardinals are anticipating an exciting NFL draft this year. Naturally, their primary focus will be on the early rounds of the event. Ideally, that’s where the best prospects lie, although historically that’s not always the case.
Savvy scouting departments can also find talent at the bottom end of the draft. The New England Patriots proved as much, when they found quarterback Tom Brady in the sixth round of the 2000 draft. The University of Michigan product was selected 199th-overall, and is arguably the league’s greatest signal-caller of all time.
2018 draftee Chase Litton is another passer who could be taken late. The 6’5″, 230 pounder has a strong arm, a quick release and can throw on the run. However, the Marshall University junior is raw, and would therefore benefit from holding the clipboard for a year or two.
The Cardinals’ new coaching staff is familiar with a family member of the next player worth mentioning. Former Carolina Panther Star Lotulelei’s brother, Lowell, is a defensive tackle who’s also expected to be available late. The 6’2″, 334 pounder out of the University of Utah is a stout run defender and adequate pass rusher (10 career sacks) who has struggled to maintain his weight.
Center Brian Allen’s lack of height (6’1″) and short arms are reminiscent of the squad’s current starter at the position, A.Q. Shipley. But despite his deficiencies, the Michigan State Spartan is a three-year starter who has all the skills needed to succeed at the next level. Taking a flier on Allen with a late-round selection could potentially provide Arizona with an eventual replacement for the mediocre Shipley.
Cards’ general manager Steve Keim likes to dip into the small school pool at times. Dubuque cornerback Michael Joseph tallied eight interceptions and 16 passes defensed in 2017. Those numbers came against Division III competition, but the 6’0″, 186 pounder’s coverage skills and tackling ability can not be disputed.
The Cardinals’ lack of depth at the wide receiver position could bode well for a projected late-round pass-catcher like Braxton Berrios. The Miami Hurricane’s small stature (5’8″, 177) will likely cause him to fall in the draft, but his toughness and competitiveness are plusses. Berrios’ professional career will be spent in the slot, where his lack of size won’t be as much of a factor.
One more prospect worth talking about is Northwestern’s Godwin Igwebuike. The 5’11, 213 pound safety is much better against the run than he is versus the pass. Current starter Antoine Bethea will turn 34 in July, so Igwebuike could push for the veteran’s job sooner rather than later if he’s drafted.