Breaking down the worst draft picks ever in Arizona Cardinals history
By Sion Fawkes
2 – Robert Nkemdiche, 2016-2018
Statistics with the Arizona Cardinals: 6 starts, 44 combined tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks
Character issues dropped Nkemdiche’s stock, but his numbers at the NFL Combine were remarkable, with a 4.87 sprint in the 40, 28 reps on the bench press, and a near-34-inch arm length. And in classic Steve Keim fashion, the former general manager jumped at the chance to snag the boom-or-bust prospect 29th overall.
Unfortunately, Keim gambled and lost, as Nkemdiche appeared in just five games in 2016, recording one combined tackle and a quarterback hit. He saw action in 12 games the following season, with no starts, making 11 combined tackles and another one behind the line.
2018 wasn’t a terrible year for the maligned former first round pick. He had nine tackles for loss (32 combined), and put up 4.5 sacks. But it wasn’t enough, as Nkemdiche disappeared in games, before he ultimately failed a physical, which forced the Cardinals to waive him.
3- Wendell Bryant, 2002-2004
Career Statistics with the Arizona Cardinals: 9 starts, 44 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks
You may remember Wendell Bryant’s big sack to help the Wisconsin Badgers snag a win in the 1999 Rose Bowl. In 2000 and 2001, Bryant also won Defensive Lineman of the Year in the Big Ten, so it’s easy to see why the Cards were so enamored with Bryant when he was available with the 12th pick in the 2002 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately, Bryant did next to nothing in his 29 career games (nine starts) with the Redbirds. His best season came as a rookie in 2002, when he had 1.5 sacks, 24 combined tackles, and two tackles behind the line.
He was also suspended multiple times during his career with the Cardinals for substance abuse. Come 2005, the NFL had enough and suspended Bryant for the entire 2005 season. He never suited up in the NFL again, though he did play in the short-lived UFL in 2009 and 2010.