The draft that the Arizona Cardinals need to forget

There are just a couple of players remaining from one of the most unproductive draft classes in Arizona Cardinals history

For the past six years, the Arizona Cardinals’ draft selections have been hit or miss. Far too often, Steve Keim has failed to find college prospects who can make an impact for the club. There are those who believe, perhaps rightfully so, that the general manager’s incompetence in that area has greatly impeded the Cardinals’ progress.

Back in 2016, Keim orchestrated one of the worst drafts in the history of the organization. The Cards went into that three-day event with six choices, but only a couple of the picks are still on the roster. Three years after their arrival, the front office may be on the verge of jettisoning the remaining two players, effectively making that entire class extinct.

Arizona’s first-round selection that year, Robert Nkemdiche, has been both injured and inconsistent during his three campaigns in the desert. It now appears that the franchise has had enough of the former University of Mississippi star. Keim and company have declined the 2020 option on Nkemdiche’s contract, a clear sign that the Cardinals are ready to move on from the defensive lineman.

The team’s third-rounder in ’16, Brandon Williams has been stealing money since he was added to the nest. Aside from a special teams contribution here and there, the cornerback has been virtually useless to the Cards. With all of the offseason additions that were made at his position, Williams would be smart to start preparing for a place on the unemployment line.

Arizona, as alluded to, has already done away with the other four representatives from the 2016 draft contingent. Offensive lineman Even Boehm, the fourth-round offering, was around for just two seasons before his release in 2018. Fifth-round safety Marqui Christian, fifth-round guard Cole Toner and sixth-round defensive back Harlan Miller had extremely short stays with the Cardinals as well.

Drafting kids from the college ranks is far from an exact science for NFL executives. Keim would likely wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. Unfortunately, when all is said and done, the Cards’ 2016 draft class could rank as one of the all-time worst.