NFL Draft: Recapping The Cardinals Day Three Picks

Oct 25, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; UAB Blazers punt returner J.J. Nelson (1) on a punt return during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated UAB 45-17. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

J.J. Nelson (WR, UAB) – 5th round, 159th overall

As the old saying goes, you can’t teach speed. That holds true for Nelson.

Likely the last player to ever be drafted out of UAB, Nelson ran a 4.28 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, which was the best at this year’s combine. He also had a 127″ broad jump, which was also the best at the combine.

Nelson has one problem though, he only weighs 156 pounds. You may be able to play receiver in college at that weight, but you can’t weigh that and be an effective offensive weapon at the NFL level.

His best chance at making this roster is as a punt and kick returner, where Nelson was really good at UAB. The Cardinals have been in need of a guy at those two spots for a while now, so this seems like a match made in heaven for both sides.