Hits or Misses? Grading the 2021 Arizona Cardinals draft class

TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane celebrates after intercepting Noah Johnson #0 of the South Florida Bulls and running in a 38-yard touchdown during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane celebrates after intercepting Noah Johnson #0 of the South Florida Bulls and running in a 38-yard touchdown during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
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TALLAHASSEE, FL – DECEMBER 12: Defensive End Victor Dimukeje #51 of the Duke Blue Devils during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on December 12, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Seminoles defeated the Blue Devils 56 to 35. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL – DECEMBER 12: Defensive End Victor Dimukeje #51 of the Duke Blue Devils during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on December 12, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Seminoles defeated the Blue Devils 56 to 35. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)

Victor Dimukeje, Edge/Duke

The ACC product boasted solid production in college and has a motor that never stops. Picked 210th overall, Dimukeje can be a possible steal for the Cardinals. We shouldn’t so ambitious and say we replaced Haason Reddick, but Dimukeje definitely has potential.

He comes in with 49 games under his belt, with 23 over the past two seasons. During that time span, he has recorded 21 tackles of loss, and 16 sacks. Despite playing for a mid-major school, Dimukeje has had plenty of experience playing against major college football programs because of the school’s presence in the ACC.

Some may criticize this pick, stating that Steve Keim (again) upgraded a strength. But at this point in the draft, Dimukeje was too good of a talent to pass up. If the Cardinals drafted a steal, it’s Dimukeje.

Grade – A: Dimukeje won’t immediately contribute to the Cardinals defense. But if they give him time, he will develop into an outstanding pass rusher. Perhaps sooner than later.

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