Among the players on the 90-man roster are more than a dozen undrafted rookies. They are less heralded and usually lesser known. Today, we find out more about cornerback Nate Brooks, who signed out of North Texas.
Brooks was not a priority free agent. He joined the Cardinals as a tryout player in rookie minicamp. He impressed enough to get signed.
Physical profile
He is 6-0 and 192 pounds, according to the roster. At his pro day, he ran the 40 in 4.62 seconds. His vertical leap was a ridiculous 40.5 inches. His broad jump was 10-7. He benched 225 pounds 11 times. He ran the three-cone in 6.65 seconds, which is an incredibly low time, especially considering his slow 40 time.
Background
He was a four-year starter at North Texas. He was an all-Conference USA selection in 2017 and 2018. He was a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back.
Stats
Brooks had 10 career interceptions at North Texas. Six were in 2018 and four were in 2016.
In four seasons, he had 193 total tackles, 10 for loss. He broke up 19 passes, including 10 his senior season.
Highlights
Outlook
The cornerback room could be tough to crack. The Cardinals have Patrick Peterson and Robert Alford who are the starters. They drafted Byron Murphy. That leaves two, maybe three, spots on the roster. An extra CB could be on the roster for the first six weeks of the season because of Peterson’s suspension.
But after the first three spots, there are veterans David Amerson and Tramaine Brock. There is Brandon Williams who has a relationship with special teams coach Jeff Rodgers.
There are returning players in Deatrick Nichols and Chris Jones.
Brooks will have to beat out several players to make the team.
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