Examining the Cardinals fifth round selections

The Arizona Cardinals have wrapped up five rounds in the Draft. They don't hold a selection in the sixth round, so it’s all quite until the seventh round.

The Cardinals doubled up on an offensive line weapon with their first of two picks in the fifth round.

Will Holden was the selection, a behemoth tackle. Holden measured in at 6’7, 311 pounds. He ran a 5.45 40 at the combine, did 23 reps, managed 28 inches on his vertical and 111 inches on his broad jump.

Holden is an interesting prospect. His size is fantastic. So fantastic, that you don’t often find players with his size, putting up numbers like he did at the combine.

In fact, these are the only 6’7” tackles to be drafted in the first four rounds:

That’s some solid company for the Cardinals fifth round selection.

Holden offers versatility on the offensive line. He has experience playing both tackle spots in college. He struggles in his speed on the left side to consider a career on that side, but with Veldheer aging, and turning 31 before the start of the 2018 season, a career at right tackle makes the most sense. Holden is also capable of playing some guard as well, so the Cardinals do have a lot to play with.

Holden has enough power and drive to be successful in the run game. He handles bull rushers effectively. What he does struggle with, is his pass protection as a whole. Holden allowed 57 pressures the final two seasons as a pass blocker.

While he does well against the bull rushers, he struggles against speed rushers, allowing them to get the edge on him regularly, hence his 57 pressures.

Holden can be an excellent player with the right coaching. Giving him a season or two to develop, and then unleash him upon the NFL would be the most beneficial thing for his career.

With their second selection, the Cardinals finally took a runningback. With Andre Ellington moving to WR, and the Cardinals lacking depth behind David Johnson, you had to know the team would take a back at some point.

The selection was T.J. Logan, out of North Carolina. The 5’9 runningback posted the fastest 40 time among his position with a 4.37. He completed 17 reps, jumped 33.5 inches high, and 121 inches long.

Logan offers a lot of versatility. He returned four kicks for touchdowns during his collegiate career. A very patient runner, once he finds a hole, Logan is able to accelerate to top speed quickly.

Despite being 5’9, he was trusted as a pass protection back in college, and did very well. He does exactly what Arians wants out of a back, we mentioned the pass blocking, but he can also catch. Logan dropped one catchable pass in 69 targets.

Logan ran 304 times in his career for 1615 yards and 15 touchdowns. He fumbled four times in his career.

Despite all his benefits, Logan does have his drawbacks. Despite his home run speed, he did not produce as many big plays as expected. On 386 touches, he did not have a play of 50 yards or more, and only four plays of 40-50 yards.

Logan obviously struggles as an inside runner. He is best utilized as an outside runner. His small frame won’t allow him to be a featured back in the NFL, but with the Cardinals already having David Johnson, he wont be asked to.

Logan will be the perfect compliment to Johnson in the backfield. His home run speed, his ability to catch out of the backfield, and pass block is everything Johnson already owns. Logan could be used as a third down back, or the Cardinals could even have both in the backfield. There are plenty of options.

So what say you? Are you excited about the Cardinals fifth round selections? Vote and discuss in the comments below.

*Note that all stats are courtesy of Pro Football Focus

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