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NFL Draft 2012: Reaction To Cardinals' Third Round Pick Of Jamell Fleming

By Tyler Nickel
Mar 14, 2012; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Jamell Fleming performs a drill during the Oklahoma pro day at Everest Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-US PRESSWIRE
Mar 14, 2012; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Jamell Fleming performs a drill during the Oklahoma pro day at Everest Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The third round pick for the Arizona Cardinals is in and needless to say, this one turned some heads. While players such as Bobby Massie were still on the board as an offensive tackle, the Cardinals instead decided to take a cornerback. Their pick was Jamell Fleming, a defensive back out of Oklahoma.

After the jump, I will give you some scouting notes on Fleming along with some various reactions to this selection.

As aforementioned, Fleming is a 5'11", 206 pound corner that plays with a lot of physicality in his game. He has been a huge factor in big time games, namely as the MVP of the Fiesta Bowl back in 2011. Here are some notes from XTRA 910's Mike Jurecki on this young talent:

The only thing that sends up some red flags are Fleming's past academic problems. But, since he was reinstated, I do not expect this to be an issue.

Our very own Khodder seemed to love the pick, as he expressed as much on Twitter:

We do know that Whisenhunt loves his Senior Bowl picks and guys that played well in big moments, so Fleming does fit into that category.

The only problem I could see with this pick is that cornerback was a much lesser need than offensive tackle. Obviously, the Cardinals must have a guy lined up to take in the later rounds that they really like, otherwise this probably would not have been the move.

Fleming will immediately come in and fit in one way or another on this football team. With Greg Toler coming back from injury and William Gay being new to the team as well, Fleming could find himself as a 3rd or 4th string cornerback.

So what do you think fans? Was this a wise pick by the Cardinals? Should they have gone a different way with someone still remaining on the board?

Tell us what you think in the comments section below and vote in the poll.

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