Raising Zona
FanSided

Grading Arizona Cardinals general manager’s record drafting receivers

By Sion Fawkes

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: J.J. Nelson #14 of the Arizona Cardinals attempts to make a catch over Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: J.J. Nelson #14 of the Arizona Cardinals attempts to make a catch over Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 7
Next

J.J. Nelson

We can conclude that Keim loves his speedsters, with Nelson having run a 4.28 at the 2016 NFL Combine. Nelson was also slim, at 5’10 and just 156lb in terms of Combine measurables.

Nelson has only logged 85 career receptions, but he provided decent depth during his time in the desert. As a Cardinal, he 81 receptions in 4 seasons and 10 receiving touchdowns. As a testament to his speed, Nelson also solidified himself as a deep threat, with a career 17.4-yards per catch average.

His best season as a Cardinal came in 2016 when he logged 34 receptions, 568 yards, 16.7 yards per catch, and 6 touchdowns. Not too bad for a guy drafted at 159th overall out of UAB. Nelson was a member of the Oakland Raiders in 2019 and spent time on practice squads in 2020. He is now a member of the Indianapolis Colts.

Grade: B- – Nelson couldn’t stick in the desert. But during his time in Glendale, he outperformed his draft status and provided outstanding depth behind Larry Fitzgerald and John Brown.

Home/Cardinals History