Arizona Cardinals: 5 First Round Options in 2015 NFL Draft

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Nate Orchard, DE/OLB, Utah

Oct 4, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) is tackled by Utah Utes defensive end Nate Orchard (8) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

If Dupree is unavailable for the Cardinals at the 24th pick, there are other pass rush prospects for them to consider. Nate Orchard stands out as an interesting option for Arizona at the end of the first round.

Orchard is a very high motor player who has great quickness off the snap. He is very instinctive pass rusher who sometimes uses creative ways to beat his blocker and attack the quarterback.

Orchard has great awareness skills on the field, reading opposing offenses at an advanced level. He has nice length that he uses very well, and his hands are quick and powerful which is always nice against strong offensive lineman.

He is considered to be a very mature and high character player. Orchard was also the clear leader for Utah’s defense, and showed great physical and mental toughness.

Orchard mostly lined up at the defensive end position for Utah, but he has also lined up as a roaming linebacker. He pass rushed from both a two-and-three point stance throughout his career, and even dropped in coverage at times (although to mix results). He set a school record with 18.5 sacks in 2014, and his skills certainly appear to translate to the NFL.

He is not as impressive athletically as Dupree or other pass rushers in this class, but Orchard is a relentless defender who would immediately make an impact in the Cardinals’ defense.

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