Should the Tennessee Titans take a chance on former Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman, Robert Nkemdiche?
The Tennessee Titans could use some more options along the defensive line, and one possible option just popped up after the Arizona Cardinals released defensive lineman, Robert Nkemdiche.
The Cardinals announced the move involving the No. 29 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft on Twitter on Saturday night.
We have released DL Robert Nkemdiche.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) July 28, 2019
There’s no question Nkemdiche was a big disappointment during his time in Arizona. The Mississippi product played in just 27 games (six starts) over three seasons, but he did total 4.5 sacks in 2018.
Nkemdiche got off to a rough start this year at training camp, as Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury told the media he wasn’t in shape. Before that, Nkemdiche was pulled over twice in the span of a week during the month of June and was caught driving with a suspended license.
He’s clearly a troubled guy that brings a ton of red flags, so it’s understandable if teams want to steer clear of him. Nkemdiche has to get his act together, that’s for sure.
So, why would the Titans want to take a chance on him?
He is a former first-round pick and only 24 years old. And, at this point in his career, Nkemdiche can be had on the cheap for any team interested. At worst, the Titans could get him in camp and see what he can bring to the table. If it turns out to be nothing, the Titans can cut him loose.
One of the few weaknesses for the Titans defense is the defensive front. We know Jurrell Casey is a stud, but questions remain about the guys lining up next to him. First-round pick Jeffery Simmons is obviously a possible solution, however there’s no guarantee he plays this season.
There’s no question Nkemdiche amounts to nothing more than a gamble. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to bring him in as a low-risk move, and a fresh start around a great group of players like the Titans have on defense could be just what he needs to turn things around.