The Arizona Cardinals are known to take a chance on players from small schools. It has been somewhat of general manager Steve Keim’s calling card. Since he became general manager in 2013, the Cardinals have drafted 10 small-school players and at least one every single year.
There is no reason to believe that trend won’t continue, so here are some players to take note of in the weeks to come, as they could have their name called by the Cardinals in the draft.
Delaware DB Nasir Adderley
Adderley was a second-team AP FCS All-American and earned all-conference first-team honors at Delaware in 2018. He had four interceptions, seven pass breakups and 87 tackles.
He has the ability to play safety and cornerback. At his pro day, he tweaked his hamstring and still ran the 40 in 4.54 seconds. He is 6-0, 206 pounds.
Having drafted multiple small-school defensive backs over the years, he could be on their radar.
Washburn CB Corey Ballentine
Arizona met with Ballentine at the Senior Bowl. He might remind people of Justin Bethel with his production on defense and on special teams in college. He blocked three kicks last year and picked off four passes.
He is 5-11, 196 and ran a good, but not great 40-yard dash at 4.47 at the combine. However, his three-cone and short shuttle show elite quickness.
Western Illinois DL Khalen Saunders
Saunders caught some eyes at the Senior Bowl. The Cardinals have gone the small-school route on the defensive line before, selecting Rodney Gunter out of Delaware State. Saunders was a second-team AP FCS All-American in 2018. The six-foot, 324-pounder ran the 40 in 5.01 seconds at the combine. He is big, quick and strong.
UC Davis WR Keelan Doss
Receiver is another position where small-school prospects have been the norm. They drafted J.J. Nelson, Chad Williams, John Brown and Walter Powell out of small programs.
Doss completely dominated last year. He had 118 receptions for 1,334 yards and nine touchdowns in 2018.
He is 6-2 and 211 pounds. He has good but not great speed. But that production was eye-popping.
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