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Cardinals Sign 13 Undrafted Free Agents

2008_udfa_medium

The odds are against any of these guys making much of an impact for the Cardinals in 2008 or anytime in the foreseeable  future for that matter, but it has happened before and Whisenhunt has had recent success finding a gem. Whisenhunt and Grimm were both part of the brain trust that plucked Willie Parker from the depths of the undrafted and have since watched him become a 2-time Pro Bowler. Here's a look at a couple of these interesting names:

Ali Highsmith - He's a bit undersized (depending on where you look, some list him under 6 ft) and he's often labeled as having a slow reaction to the ball. He's an above average athlete though who played sideline to sideline at LSU and was tied for the team lead in tackles (101 total) his senior season. He was equally good at rushing the quarterback (8 hurries, 3 INTs) as he was dropping back in coverage (8 pass breakups). The 1st team All-SEC linebacker should be able to make the roster and excel on special teams while he learns the pro game and bulks up.

Keilen Dykes - I'd like his chances of making the team even more if they hadn't already drafted two 3-4 defensive ends but Dykes should still have a decent shot of sticking around. He was stout enough to excel at defensive tackle but has the perfect size to be a run stuffing DE. He's not very explosive and lacks a quick burst off the line but compensates with a non-stop motor and above average athleticism. Dykes is the kind of guy who they might be able to stash on the practice squad for a season while he reaps the benefits of a year of professional coaching and strength program.

Dennis Keyes - He got better each year as a three year starter and has the size and instincts to stick around in this league. Keyes isn't a great athlete but he has decent speed for his size (4.6), a great motor, and is a solid tackler. He's got the makeup to contribute early on special teams and could develop into a player with some seasoning.

Keep in mind the chances of these guys becoming stars is slim to none but every team needs role players and special teams standouts. Finding a diamond among the rough also goes a long way to saving your team from having to waste a draft pick in subsequent drafts. Any of the other names interest anyone?

 

 

 

 

 

 

0 recs  |  Comment 6 comments

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cgolden

Welcome to SB Nation. Enjoying your write-ups on the Cardinals. I was at the draft this weekend covering it for SB Nation, and the consensus among most was they had a very solid draft. If Leinart can play consistently, and stay healthy, the Cardinals are a playoff team.

Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Apr 29, 2008 8:18 AM MDT reply actions   0 recs

Thanks

I was pretty psyched about their draft as well. I would have made a couple of different picks but that’s probably why I’m not a GM. A steady and productive Leinart could spell playoffs this year especially if DRC and Campbell are able to help improve a pass defense that was among the worst in the league.

by cgolden on Apr 29, 2008 8:49 AM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Satele

Hope Hercules makes at least the practice squad. Pretty good LG at UH, where pass-happy Colt Brennan was only sacked 26 times all year. This school has put some pretty good linemen into the league, like Samson Satele and Vince Manuwai.

Similar to these players, Hercules is technically sound in the passing game, with enough strength and technique to be a factor in the running game. He was also the first UH lineman to be a Football Writers Association first team All-American.

by tkired on May 12, 2008 6:06 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

sounds like a player

I watched some Hawaii football this season but it was mostly 1am when I’d get home for a night out. They’re fun to watch and I didn’t pay a ton of attention to their linemen. I’m sure he’ll have some adjustment to a pro offense but he should get a a chance to pick things up on the practice squad.

by cgolden on May 13, 2008 11:04 AM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Also

He benched 225 about 40 times at Hawaii’s pro day. I say ‘about’ because some scouts thought a few reps may not have counted at the combine. He was also the leader and best player by far on that o-line.

by tkired on May 13, 2008 12:20 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

wow

Whether it was 40 or would have been 35, that’s still an impressive number.

by cgolden on May 13, 2008 2:16 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

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