Cardinals get great value with Robert Nkemdiche

The Arizona Cardinals have selected defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche out of Ole Miss with the 29th pick of the 2016 NFL Draft.

The former Rebels star is one of the top talents in the draft, but dropped to the 29th spot due to character concerns.

Nkemdiche entered his junior season with Ole Miss as the projected No. 1 pick, but following an inconsistent campaign and a suspension for a drug-related incident, his draft stock plummeted.

The Cardinals have shown in the past they won't shy away from top prospects with character concerns, having drafted Tyrann Mathieu with the 69th pick in 2013. Mathieu's talent at the next level has been immense, as he's established himself as one of the game's premier safeties.

Bruce Arians and the Cardinals hope Nkemdiche can replicate that success.

Robert Nkemdiche Bio

Position: DT
School: Ole Miss
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-3
Weight: 294 lbs.

Strengths

• Rare athletic abilities give him as high a ceiling as any defensive line prospect in the draft.
• Consistently the first player off the ball, exploding upfield to gain early advantage over opposing offensive linemen.
• Demonstrates the necessary closing speed to finish plays in the backfield either for a sack or loss.
• Has quickness to be an effective pass-rusher from any spot along the defensive front, particularly lining up against guards as a three-technique tackle.

Weaknesses

• Will need to refine technique as a pass-rusher and in taking on blockers against the run.
• Pad level must improve to maintain NFL impact.
• Ability didn't translate to college production, as he totaled just six sacks in 29 games.
• Arrested for marijuana possession in December and was suspended for the Sugar Bowl as a result.

Combine results