Arizona Cardinals rival’s rookie class dominating the NFL
By Sion Fawkes
The Arizona Cardinals rookie class continues to give the team, at best, modest returns. Meanwhile a rival’s class is arguably the NFL’s best.
Let’s face it. Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim once again looks as though he has blown another draft.
Players like Trey McBride, Cameron Thomas, Myjai Sanders, Keaontay Ingram, Lecitus Smith, and Christian Matthew have all seen playing time. McBride, Sanders, and Thomas may be the best, which isn’t saying much.
I’ll give McBride a free pass, since Zach Ertz remains an effective tight end. As for Thomas and Sanders, the duo has had golden opportunities slip away, given the abysmal state of the Cardinals pass rush.
Once again, it’s been another poor showing on draft day from Keim, and another reason owner Michael Bidwill needs to show him the door. But one team in the NFC West does know a thing or two about drafting, given the fact they have not one, not two, not three, but four rookies in the NFL Network’s Top 25 at the season’s midway point. That team also happens to be leading the NFC West.
Seahawks 2022 draft class mops the floor with the Arizona Cardinals class
Cornerback Tariq Woolen ranks #3 on the NFL Network’s Top 25. A fifth round pick, Woolen has four interceptions this season and a pick six. He also has two fumble recoveries, has allowed a 54.1% completion percentage and a quarterback rating of just 54.2. A third-day pick, Woolen was supposed to be a backup this season, at best. Turns out, Seattle found a diamond in the rough.
Kenneth Walker III needs no introduction. The Arizona Cardinals know him far too well, since their defense allowed him to run all over them twice this season. If there is solace to be found, Walker has run all over just about everyone he’s played, with 111 carries for 570 yards (5.13 yards per carry), and seven touchdowns.
Abraham Lucas was a third round pick and he has often outplayed Seattle’s first round pick, Charles Cross. And by the way, through nine games, Cross too has had a good showing, even if he isn’t ranked in the NFL Network’s Top 25.
Must Read. This NHL team can teach Cardinals ownership some lessons. light
But Coby Bryant is. He wears #8 and is ranked 24th, Bryant is among the best corners from the 2022 Draft Class, yet is still the second-best rookie corner on his team thanks to Woolen. Bryant, drafted in the fourth round, has a sack to his name, plus FOUR forced fumbles. His coverage skills can use some refining, given the 115.9 quarterback rating allowed, but the big, physical Bryant is a clear force in other ways. Not bad for a fourth round selection.
Article Source: NFL rookie rankings at midpoint of 2022 season: Four Seahawks in top 25, but Jets’ Sauce Gardner at No. 1 by Daniel Jeremiah
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