Getting to Know Your Newest Cardinal: Brandon Keith

The seventh, and final, round of the NFL Draft saw the Cardinals take their first offensive lineman, Brandon Keith. Keith is a typical late round pick in that most agree he has all the tools to be a decent to good NFL player but serious question marks about his character and desire to play football exist. His no doubt has the size (6’5 349), strength (32 bench reps at pro day) and athleticism (sub 5.0 forty) to play in this league. During his senior season at Northern Iowa, his only full season

as a starter, he started 11 games, registering 71 knockdowns with 11 TD resulting blocks while grading 81.78% for blocking consistency. He allowed just 4 sacks and two pressures in 322 passing plays. Prior to his senior season, Keith played in seven games, starting two but missed four games with a bone bruise in his right knee. His 2005 season was a complete waste after he transferred to Oklahoma from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. Keith for whatever reason quit multiple times on the team and transferred to Northern Iowa after the 05 season.

He stood out from the pack at the Texas vs. the Nation All Star game and impressed scouts by displaying a solid punch, sustaining blocks and showing good knee bend. He also showed the versatility to play both guard and tackle. He followed up that impressive showing with getting arrested nearly a month later. Authorities were called to an event center after several fights broke out. Police tried to disperse the crowd but had to arrest three men (one of which was Keith) who refused to leave the scene.