After hitting on a few small-school prospects early in a successful career, it's easy for Cardinals general manager Steve Keim to dispel the notion that big-time players come from big-time collegiate programs.
But hearing him discuss why he does this provides a unique window into how the general manager evaluates talent atop character.
In a recent interview with the team's website, Keim talked about John Brown out of Pittsburgh State and Jared Veldheer, a free agent signing out of Hillsdale College.
"All his life, to some degree, he was always overlooked," Keim said of Veldheer. "To me, you sign a guy like that in free agency and he's still got that chip on his shoulder, that hunger and that passion."
A window into Keim's philosophy also places a bow on what has been a remarkable turnaround in Arizona. He's not only looking for underdog players, but underdog coaches as well.
Like wide receiver John Brown, who would have expected Bruce Arians to be this kind of head coach?
Having something to prove pays dividends, after all.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast welcomes back Colleen Wolfe to discuss non-Super Bowl contenders, and an all-new 'Orr You Kidding Me.' Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
