5 Arizona Cardinals who exceeded their draft expectations
By Sion Fawkes
Darnell Dockett – DL (2004)
Cardinal fans will always remember the 2004 NFL Draft for longtime great Larry Fitzgerald. But defensive lineman Darnell Dockett, drafted in the third round that year, also put together an outstanding career.
In 11 seasons, the Florida State product earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2004. He followed that up with three trips to the Pro Bowl, with All-Pro honors in 2009.
Some of Dockett’s career accolades include four career interceptions, 40.5 career sacks, and nine forced fumbles. His best season came in 2007 when he logged nine sacks, 58 combined tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 19 quarterback hits.
Dockett played for the Cardinals until 2014 before signing with the San Francisco 49ers. However, the 49ers released him, and he ended up retiring as a Cardinal shortly before the 2016 season.