The Arizona Cardinals entered the offseason knowing they needed to address the defensive line. Steve Keim added another big piece Thursday night.
The Cards grabbed talented but troubled defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche with the No. 29 overall pick.
One of the top interior talents in the 2016 draft, Nkemdiche tumbled down draft boards after questions about his motor and off-the-field questions, stemming from falling out of a fourth-floor window last December.
"There were some things I did off the field and these were repercussions," Nkemdiche told NFL Media's Deion Sanders when asked why he fell on draft day.
Nkemdiche couldn't have landed in a better place. He'll get plenty of opportunities on a D-line that needed and infusion of talent. Coach Bruce Arians is also an exceptional motivator, who keeps his players in line.
The Cards proved they could help troubled prospect overcome question marks and release his talent, as they did with Tyrann Mathieu in 2013.
If Nkemdiche has his head on straight, the Cards' weak point could be a strength in 2016. Arizona added Chandler Jones via trade this offseason and Calais Campbell continues to be one of the most dominant interior defenders game in and game out.
Perhaps the Cardinals finally found their replacement for Darnell Dockett in Nkemdiche.
One thing is certain: The NFC West got even tougher in the trenches.
