The Arizona Cardinals had enough of Robert Nkemdiche’s failure to launch. Perhaps the Denver Broncos could revive his football career.
The Arizona Cardinals had enough of Robert Nkemdiche’s inability to either develop properly, stay on the field, or both, and they waived the former first-round pick and star prospect out of Ole Miss.
Nkemdiche was always considered a ‘boom or bust’ type of pick, a player whose tape did not always match his talent.
Four years into his professional career, it’s apparent Nkemdiche has been more bust than boom, and he’s now a free agent after clearing waivers when the Cardinals decided to let him go.
Nkemdiche was overweight when reporting to Cardinals camp, and coming off an ACL injury, that’s probably not entirely unexpected. But it’s still very frustrating.
Right now, Nkemdiche is not the most attractive option on the market but he does have upside, talent, and is only 24 going on 25.
Should the Denver Broncos take a shot on him? I think so, and I have a few reasons why I think it would be a good idea.
Let me state, first and foremost, that I believe in reclamation projects like this when you have a 90-man roster. If you believe in your coaching, take the time you have with an expanded roster and see what might happen. You never know.
What do the Broncos have to offer that could help Nkemdiche realize his full potential? I think there are three specific things.
1. Nkemdiche needs to get back into shape
The guy needs to get himself back into football playing shape, and who better than Loren Landow and Landow Performance to do that? The Broncos have one of the best training staffs in the NFL, and Loren Landow has specifically worked with a lot of players on this team getting them in football shape.
If anyone can get Nkemdiche where he needs to be, it’s Landow.
2. Best defensive line coach in the NFL
The Broncos have the best defensive line coach in the NFL in Bill Kollar, in my opinion. And I know I’m not alone in that.
Kollar has a reputation for developing elite talents and unheralded players alike. He has been huge for young players on this roster and bringing guys along. His fiery coaching style could also be exactly what a guy like Nkemdiche needs to get things going.
3. Vic Fangio’s defense
Vic Fangio’s defense is one of the best in the NFL at making players successful. Fangio is a no-bull coach who has consistently gotten the best out of players he’s coaching, whether on the defensive front, at linebacker, or in the defensive backfield.
When you combine the Broncos’ training staff with coach Kollar and coach Fangio, it seems like Nkemdiche would have a really good chance to rebound with the Denver Broncos, even though their top six on the defensive line are pretty well set.
He has to completely re-shape himself, and Denver could be an option to do so.