Arizona Cardinals Draft Pick: Korey Cunningham
By Andy Kwong
The Arizona Cardinals 2018 NFL Draft is in the books with guys like Josh Rosen, Christian Kirk, Mason Cole, Chase Edmonds that can all be immediate impact players.
Chris Campbell could end up being a steal if Steve Wilks can turn him into the next Josh Norman. But what about their seventh round pick?
With the 254th pick, the Arizona Cardinals selected offensive tackle Korey Cunningham of the Cincinnati Bearcats.
He has to be one of the more intriguing players of the Cardinals’ draft class.
College Career
The 22-year-old from Montevallo, Alabama was a team captain and started in 24 consecutive games as a left tackle for the Cincinnati Bearcats. He began his football career as a three-star prospect and was ranked a Top-60 tight end in the nation. He immediately became one of the more well-respected leaders in the team.
According to Pro Football Focus, Cunningham led the nation in most pass block snaps (469) without allowing a sack as of December 2017.
Pro Day Results
Cunningham (6’6” 305lbs) ran a 4.90 second 40 yard dash, bench pressed 27 times, and had a vertical jump of 36 at his Pro Day. Maybe it should not be a surprise to see these numbers because he was a tight end in high school. Even so, it is rare for a guy his size to have those results.
Cardinals’ Offensive Tackles
The Cardinals currently have their starting offensive tackles in place with D.J. Humphries and Andre Smith. Their depth at offensive tackle includes Will Holden and John Wetzel. Cunningham will have an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster but his athletic traits give him a chance.
Steve Keim and Ray Brown remain intrigued with Cunningham in terms of the player that he can become. His versatility likely played a big role in the selection.
Next: Arizona Cardinals finish up best draft in Keim era
We have yet to see him or any of the rookies play an NFL down but it starts with the practice field. If he can play to his athletic ability, the Cardinals may have found their long-term solution at right tackle. Or at the very least, he could become a swing tackle.