Two weeks after locking down their other four draft picks, the Arizona Cardinals signed fourth round pick, outside linebacker O'Brien Schofield on Tuesday.
The team signed Schofield to a four year deal -- the same length every draft pick has been given so far. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but he did receive a traditional structure even through he's recovering from knee surgery.
In a Senior Bowl practice, Schofield tore his acl and saw his draft stock plummet significantly. Most analysts considered him to be a 2nd round pick before the injury and one of the best pass rush specialist entering the draft. Last season Schofield registered 62 tackles, 12 sacks with 24 1/2 tackles for a loss in just 13 games.
He'll likely end up on the PUP list to start the season, although he's remained hopeful to contribute immediately.
"My biggest focus is that every day matters," Schofield told www.azcardinals.com. "I have to give my best effort when I am in the weight room, my best effort when I am watching video, my best effort in rehab. Sometimes I don’t want to do it because it is the same thing over and over and over but I think back to how badly I want to get back on the field and play, it is essential I give it my best every time."
Should he make a full recovery after he is off the PUP list, Schofield could be a focal point for the Cardinals pass rush this season. In wake of the signing, local product -- offensive tackle Devin Tyler -- was released to make room on the roster. The Cardinals still have 1st round pick Dan Williams, and 2nd round pick Daryl Washington to sign before camp begins on July 31st.