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Hits or Misses? Grading the 2021 Arizona Cardinals draft class

By Sion Fawkes

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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COLLEGE PARK, MD – SEPTEMBER 27: Michal Menet #62 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in position during a college football game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on September 27, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD – SEPTEMBER 27: Michal Menet #62 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in position during a college football game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on September 27, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Michael Menet, C/Penn State

Playing in the Big Ten, Menet has plenty of experience playing against NFL-caliber defenses. Drafted toward the end of the 7th round, Menet’s experience in Happy Valley as a three-year starter will go the distance in the NFL.

Best yet, he can come in and back up Rodney Hudson for as long as he needs to. And he’s learning from one of the NFL’s best technicians in the game. Athlon Sports had him rated as an eventual low-end starter, given his limited physical and athletic skills.

However, he has a high football IQ, does well setting his protections, and is exceptional on combo blocks. Defensive tackles, especially larger ones, will overpower him, but when paired with a guard he was one of the most efficient run blockers in college football.

Grade – A: Hudson isn’t getting any younger, but he can remain a Cardinal for the next 5 seasons. During this time, Menet is the perfect prospect to groom into a full-time starter when Hudson eventually walks.

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Overall Grade: B+: Drafting Collins was questionable. However, Keim hit a homerun with Moore in Round 2. He also filled several needs and drafted high-potential players in the later rounds.

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