With the NFL Draft complete and the Arizona Cardinals with all their draft picks signed, now we can think about what their roles will be. And more specifically, will any of them start?
Last year, when many believed D.J. Humphries or Markus Golden could start the first one to find himself in the starting lineup was defensive lineman Rodney Gunter. He took over the nose tackle position after Corey Peters tore his Achilles.
Eventually Golden and David Johnson became starters as well.
But in this draft class this year, the Cardinals picked up a lot of guys who need some development.
So who will be the first of the picks to start?
Most probably believe fourth round pick Evan Boehm has the best chance. He comes in and has A.Q. Shipley ahead of him.
But what about Robert Nkemdiche? He is the most talented of the group? Could he push to start on the defensive line?
The team also has a lot of defensive backs in Brandon Williams, Marqui Christian and Harlan Miller. And currently the three guys who normally play cornerback are all coming back from injuries. Patrick Peterson, Justin Bethel and Tyrann Mathieu all will be on the sidelines for early offseason work. That means the rookies will get some looks.
Cole Toner seems the least likely, as he has Evan Mathis and Earl Watford ahead of him.
Who do you think will be the first rookie to start?