29. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Nkemdiche – DE/DT – Ole Miss
Why?: Bruce Arians doesn’t shy away from players that other teams are afraid to take. A lot of folks are jumping on Nkemdiche as a potential bust. However, I don’t know if I can jump on that train. There is no more physically gifted athlete in this draft than Nkemdiche, and Arizona provides a very stable environment for him to develop, especially on defense.
Getting ready for post-Carson era?: There is no doubt that the Cards have made the rest of the league, especially Oakland, look pretty dumb by salvaging the career of Carson Palmer. However, the 36-year-old gun-slinger is coming to the end of the road and Arizona could invest in an arm to develop behind him. Connor Cook is seeing his draft stock start to climb again after proving himself to be healthy.
30. Carolina Panthers: Jason Spriggs – OT – Indiana
Why?: Cam Newton has emerged as one of the most dynamic and exciting players in the NFL. Part of the reason we know that is because he was constantly getting away from pass rushers that had blown by his OTs, Michael Oher and Mike Remmers. That can’t keep up forever (as Von Miller showed), and the Panthers have to do something to give him a better pocket.
Build some depth: The needs of the Panthers don’t necessarily line up well with their draft position, so trading back is a pretty sound strategy for them.
This is a very talented team that needs to build up their depth chart. They don’t need to get much in return for this pick, but any additional picks can go a long way towards taking some pressure off of their starters.
Next: Pick 31 and rest of Chiefs draft...