D.J. Humphries to Arizona Cardinals: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

The Arizona Cardinals selected Florida offensive tackle D.J. Humphries with the 24th overall selection in the 2015 draft. Instead of moving up for a running back or taking an edge-rusher, general manager Steve Keim chose to complete his offensive line.

NFL draft experts Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network and Matt Miller of Bleacher Report were quick to point out that Humphries has immense talent. Just days after he declared for the draft, both analysts tweeted how much they like his film. His natural athleticism and strength were two major positives.

"

DJ Humphries was very impressive vs SC, UGA & LSU. However, Shane Ray got after him in the Missouri game. Still think DJ is a 1st rd guy

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) February 6, 2015"

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Didn't love him early, after more games, think he's a natural. Rd2 now RT @LynyrdSkynyrd35: what are your thoughts on DJ Humphries

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 7, 2015"

Humphries is a potential franchise left tackle with an excellent 6'5", 307-pound frame. He was listed at 285 pounds in college, so his strength was an issue at times. His new bulk should help correct that issue in the NFL.

His fit with the Cardinals is interesting. Arizona already has Bobby Massie, who is a decent tackle. He’s entering a contract year, though, so that could change things.

If the coaching staff doesn’t love Massie, Arizona could trade him this draft weekend. That would open up Humphries’ spot. The alternative is Humphries moving to right guard, which would be an indictment on former first-round pick Jonathan Cooper’s readiness to start.

Humphries is big and mean and shows great natural strength in his hands. The fact that he added more than 20 pounds before the combine is a major positive. His work ethic and body are ideal for the NFL.

Dedication to football and taking care of your body are important for success. Character is impossible to truly evaluate, but it is a factor that can determine whether or not a player fulfills his potential. By putting in time in the weight room and sticking to nutritional guides, Humphries is already showing that he can be a successful person in the NFL.

Credit: YouTube

Athletically, he is going to overcome his deficiencies with technique within a decent amount of the time. His kick-slide can be smoother and more consistent with his chops back, but that should improve with experience. He offers a great blend of length and strength. That is what sets him apart from the rest of the tackle class.

Athleticism is a major crutch to fall back on when necessary in pass protection. There will be times when the defender jumps the snap perfectly and creates an angle that is nearly impossible to overcome.

Humphries’ technique is, at times, brilliant. Nevertheless, on a few snaps per game, he will lose integrity and cross his feet or be late getting out of his stance. He needs to clean up those snaps in order to realize his immense upside.

His goal should be to replace the bad plays with decent ones. Giving his quarterback the chance to make a play is a priority. Veteran quarterback Carson Palmer needs to stay upright for the Cardinals to make a deep playoff push, so the pressure is on Humphries.

Overall, Humphries may not be fantastic as a rookie lineman. But as his career progresses into his second, third and fourth year, he should bloom into a star at tackle. His ability to be a dynamic blindside left tackle shouldn’t be understated.