5 Underrated Senior Bowl Prospects For The Arizona Cardinals

With the Senior Bowl all wrapped up, the swinging pendulum that is the NFL Draft process brought with it ups and downs as players’ stocks rose and fell.

For many, this was the first time that the NFL coaches and scouts got together to talk stories, evaluate and even coach up some of the seniors who were invited to this year.

So, who are some prospects who raised their stock at the senior bowl who could fit the Cardinals?

Let’s take a look:

1. Josh Reynolds-Wide Receiver, Texas A&M

At 6’4 and 190 lbs., Reynolds fits the size type that Michael Floyd and Jaron Brown share, and with his playmaking ability on display at the Senior Bowl, he show-cased his deep speed and even caught a deep touchdown in the bowl game itself.

With Floyd gone and Jaron Brown coming off of an ACL, Arizona could use a guy who could be a tall burner on the outside or be developed to go up and get it like Jaron over the middle.

Reynolds’ stock elevated despite a rough week, and he is still likely to go on Day 2, possibly early Day 3, with his combination of size and speed.

2. Obi Melifonwu, FS, Connecticut

If I said to you that there was a tall defensive back over 6’, 220 lbs who had 4.4 speed, you’d immediately think of Deone Bucannon, right?

Obi Melifonwu was one of the biggest winners of the Senior Bowl during the weigh-in as a big, large defensive back who can hit, tackle and even has ball skills (4 INTs in his college career)

In short, he’s a perfect fit for Arizona’s defense to replace a departing Tony Jefferson and/or D.J. Swearinger, which prefers large, fast defensive backs.

3. Jaleel Johnson, DL, Iowa

This name is underrated now, but only because the rest of the “Big Draft” media hasn’t caught on.

If in the situation where Arizona would have to replace Calais Campbell, Jaleel Johnson is worth a look. He’s an efficient, strong and versatile defender who will outman and outrush an inside guard almost every time. Think of the defensive lineman version of Markus Golden.

It’s not as much of a need if Arizona brings Calais back, but it might be worth seeing Johnson and Nkemdiche as the interior D-Line of the future should Campbell walk to a richer path.

4. Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss

While O.J. Howard was the show-stealer and big name, Evan Engram out of Old Miss has quietly been almost as dominant during the practice week. He’s a big, reliable pass-catcher and blocker who spent time in Ole Miss’s pro-style offense and could slide right into AZ’s starting lineup.

With Gresham getting expensive and Fells getting up there in age (30+) it’s likely that the Cardinals could look to Engram if they don’t want or don’t get a shot at Howard at pick #13.

5. Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU

I was tempted to put Zay Jones here after a remarkable Senior Bowl, but given his similar size to Josh Reynolds, I’ll go with an All-LSU backfield.

White was outstanding in coverage both at the Senior Bowl and throughout his college career, showing off ball skills with some interceptions in practice and he quickly vaulted up charts based on what those present at the Senior Bowl said.

It’s unknown if White will end up a 2nd round guy or if he will be a first-rounder when it’s all said and done in this deep corner class but putting another Tiger next to Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu?

Doesn’t sound like a bad idea after all.

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