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Arizona Cardinals: Reviewing Last 5 First-Round Draft Picks

By Tyler Olson

Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) celebrates a touchdown with running back David Johnson (31) against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) celebrates a touchdown with running back David Johnson (31) against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

2015: D.J. Humphries

Things got off to a rocky start for D.J. Humphries. Drafted 24th overall in 2015, he failed to start one game his rookie season after getting put in Arians’ doghouse early on. 2016 was different as “Knee Deep” went from the doghouse to the starting right tackle. In his first start, at left tackle Pro Football Focus rated him high after not allowing any hits or sacks on quarterback Carson Palmer.

Humphries will have the opportunity to replace Shane Veldheer full time on the left side of the line in 2017, granted that Arians feels comfortable with the change following OTAs and training camp. That’s great news for a young tackle that couldn’t crack the starting lineup two years ago. With Palmer aging and Johnson continuing to supplant himself as the best running back in the league, the importance of Humphries’ performance is paramount.

Arizona Cardinals
Sep 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (90) against the Denver Broncos during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

2016: Robert Nkemdiche

Like Humphries, the Cardinals still don’t know what they have in Robert Nkemdiche. After sliding all the way to 29th in last year’s NFL Draft due to character concerns, the Ole Miss product was too good to pass up knowing they’d need him in the near future.

With little pressure to be “the guy” last year, Nkemdiche got off to a bad start after injuring his ankle during training camp. That, along with maturity issues and a low motor, resulted in him only only playing 82 defensive snaps throughout his rookie season.

He’ll have a big role heading into the 2017 season as the hopeful successor to long-time Cardinals lineman Calais Campbell, who chose the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency. Things started to look up for Nkemdiche at the tail end of the season, however; Arians believed over the course of the season (per ESPN.com) that Nkemdiche’s learned what it means to be a professional.

Next: 10 Small-School Prospects Who Could Be Studs

Nkemdiche has to be a factor in the trenches if the Cardinals want to continue having a strong defense.

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