Names to know on day two and three of the 2017 NFL Draft for the Arizona Cardinals

Late round draft selections are rarely sexy, but they are the foundation quality teams are built on.

There are a few positions that most likely will not be selected on the first day, in my opinion, unless the perfect player falls to the cards selection, but are positions that need addressing.

Edge rusher
Wide Receiver
Safety
Running back

Edge

Chandler Jones and Markus Golden were the first two rushers in a long while to both record 10 sacks seasons in what feels like an eternity, but there isn’t much depth behind them with Alex Okafor most likely leaving in free agency and Kareem Martin just playing special teams. Here are a few names to consider as an extra edge rusher/developmental guy that could potentially replace Golden if we are unable to retain him in 2019

Ejuan Price, Pitt – An undersized scrappy rusher that has recorded 10+ sacks each of his last 2 years at Pitt. He has shown quality burst to shoot gaps, and good bend around the edge. His shorter stature helps him play with good leverage. The lack of length makes it difficult to shed blocks and defend the run, but hey… that’s why he would be coming in to replace Okafor and not Mauro. Last point on Price, AZ has had some luck with Pitt prospects in the past….

Al-Quadin Muhammad, Miami – Opposite of Price, Muhammad has prototypical OLB size and length. He has natural athleticism, but may be a bit of a project a la Shaq Riddick was. However, when he gets his hands inside he has the physical traits to just toy with OLs.

WR

With Fitz sticking around for the 2017 season, the cards are about 4 deep at wide receiver. However, with the two Brown’s coming off injury in 2016 there are only 2 known commodities moving forward. A key depth player that can develop and potentially add something in the maligned return game could pay huge dividends in 2017 and beyond.

Taywan Taylor, WKU – Another speedy, small-school, receiver for BA. Taylor has the ability to be a vertical threat, and is shifty as it gets running after the catch. However, he needs to improve in the more physical parts of the game, catch in traffic, ball security, beating press man.

Speedy Noil, TAMU – Has natural pass catching ability, reaching out with his hands to pluck the ball from the air. Displays willingness to be physical and block in the run game. He is an exceptional athlete that led to him being a top recruit out of high school, but can he keep his head on straight to stay on the field. We know Keim likes top end athletes (DJ Humphries, Robert Nkemdiche, Brandon Williams, etc.) Finally, he has quality return ability that can be added to the fold in AZ, and we badly need it.

S

Tony Jefferson and DJ Swearinger are free agents, but it seems at least one of them will be back in 2017. The Cardinals already have a lot of money invested in this position with Tyrann Mathieu, Tyvon Branch (possible cut), and the impending contract of Jefferson or Swearinger. Keim must look to add to this position group moving forward. Note, if Jamal Adams or Malik Hooker are available at 13 we must scoop them up which would most likely rule out this next name.

Josh Jones, NCST – Keim has a connection to the school, and may have the inside track to learning about this kid. At 6’2 210+, Jones has the traits to line up as the box safety the Jefferson excelled at in 2016. Jones lined up all over the field for the wolfpack, and had a nose for the football. If safety doesn’t work out he has the traits to play a similar role to Deone Bucannon.

RB

As I wrote earlier, David Johnson had a legitimate case for MVP and BA will continue to ride him, but he does need a capable backup. 2017 looks like it will most likely be a vet (Chris Johnson?), but 2018 is much less clear. A late round pick can play the 3rd-4th string role in 2017 and move up the depth chart into 2018.

Matt Dayes, NCST – Another NC state prospect, but I like the way Dayes runs. He is a shorter RB, but packs a punch and runs with a purpose. He shows patience to grind out yards between the tackles, but is capable of breaking out for a long run. Dayes also gets some usage in the pass game, and shows strong hands, which translates well to the Cardinals offense. Watch his 2015 film against wake forest on draft breakdown, and you might like what you see.