Arizona Cardinals 2016 NFL Draft Grades

Morgan Epstein grades the Arizona Cardinals 2016 NFL Draft. Does Arizona have a bright future after drafting Robert Nkemdiche with the twenty ninth pick in the 2016 NFL Draft?

29. Robert Nkemdiche, 3-4 LE, Ole Miss C Grade

The Cardinals reached for Robert Nkemdiche. Not only does he have character concerns, but he also has to start out as a backup for depth at 3-4 left end to Calias Campbell.

92. Brandon Williams, CB, Texas A&M B Grade

Brandon Williams is already the nickel cornerback on Arizona's depth chart despite being a reach at this pick. That's why the B grade is a good grade for this pick because it was a good pick despite being a possible reach.

128. Evan Boehm, C, Missouri B Grade

Evan Boehm is a backup center to A.Q. Shipley on Arizona's depth chart right now. Boehm has over 40 career starts at center at Missouri so he will be ready to step in if Shipley goes down with an injury.

167. Marqui Christian, FS, Midwestern St. D Grade

Midwestern State free safety Marqui Christian has the versatility to play cornerback, strong safety, or free safety. The reason this pick got a D grade is because Christian is listed as a fourth stringer on the Cardinals depth chart.

At first, he will mainly sit on the bench, unless the Rams use a 3 tight end set on goal line plays. If the Rams part ways with Kendricks, then Hemingway has a chance to move up to the #2 tight end on this depth chart behind Higbee.

170. Cole Toner, RG, Harvard D Grade

Cole Toner should be a backup right tackle to D.J. Humphries. I really cannot explain why Arizona has him as a third string right guard on their depth chart. Toner could have gone as early as the third round which is why I bumped this pick up from an F to a D grade. I still dislike this selection a lot though.

205. Harlan Miller, CB, S.E. Louisiana D Grade

Southeastern Louisiana cornerback Harlan Miller is the #7 cornerback on Arizona's depth chart. Some consider him better value than Brandon Williams which is why I gave this pick a D grade.

Arizona Cardinals Team Grade: C- Grade

Arizona's general manager has developed a pretty positive reputation over the years. His decision to give up a second round pick for Chandler Jones was understandable. Arizona did not get any immediate starters, but got three backups with their first three picks before getting third string and fourth string value picks that provided premium value in the late rounds. The Cardinals avoided the F grade on all 6 picks so I will give them a C- grade for drafting in 2016.