The Arizona Cardinals go into the 2019 NFL Draft with an abundance of needs after a franchise-worst 3-13 record. While the Cardinals will, no doubt, select players from the “blue blood” programs, here are five players outside of the Power Five conferences to keep an eye on.
Daniel Cooney – OL – University of San Diego – RS SR
With elite size (6-foot-8, 315 pounds), Cooney is a player who teams would want to get off the bus first. Cooney played in 46 career game with the San Diego program & was named to the All-PFL first team three times (2016-2018).
Jazz Ferguson – WR – Northwestern State University – RS JR
Originally a receiver for LSU, Ferguson transferred to Northwestern State after the 2016 season. After sitting out the 2017 season, Ferguson burst onto the scene with a 66 reception, 1,117 yards, 13 touchdown line in the 2018 season with the Demons. At 6-foot-5 and 223 pounds, Ferguson is another player the Cardinals wouldn’t mind seeing get off the bus first. Ferguson is a player worth keeping an eye on for a team lacking play-makers.
Derick Roberson – DE – Sam Houston State University – RS SR.
Another transfer from a big-time program. Roberson, a former Texas Longhorn, joined the Sam Houston State program after the 2015 season. The 2018 campaign proved to be the breakout year for Roberson as he tallied 15 sacks and five forced fumbles. In the Cardinals defensive scheme, Roberson would most likely transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Jordan Brown – CB – South Dakota State University – RS SR
After earning back-to-back All-Missouri Valley First-Team honors, Brown enters the Draft process as one of the most intriguing small-school prospects in this class. At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Brown possesses great size for the modern NFL defensive back. The Cardinals are still searching for a top-tier player to line up opposite All-Pro Patrick Peterson.
Khalen Saunders – DL – Western Illinois University – RS SR
It’s always nice to have big bodies up front on defense. That’s where Western Illinois defensive lineman Khalen Saunders comes in. At 6-foot-2 and 310 pounds, Saunders can help fortify a defensive front in any scheme. With the Cardinals, Saunders would serve as a defensive end in the 3-4 alignment.
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