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2017 NFL Draft: Cardinals expected to dominate the draft

Never to early to look ahead at next years draft

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off of a year where the Cardinals had 10 players drafted in 2015, the 2016 NFL draft wasn't as kind when  the lone Cardinal drafted was Sheldon Rankins getting picked 12th by the New Orlean Saints.

However, that all looks to change in the 2017 draft, as Chad Reuter of NFL.com has Louisville as one of 5 school's that could dominate the draft.

From Reuter:

"The Cardinals had 10 players drafted in 2015. They could face a similar exodus down the road, as their defense is loaded with prospects. Pass rusher Devonte Fields surprised some by returning to school and interior lineman DeAngelo Brownhas loads of talent. Linebackers Keith Kelsey and Trevon Young are all-conference performers. Don't forget about cornerback Shaq Wiggins and safety Josh Harvey-Clemons, along with offensive playmakers James QuickJamari StaplesKeith Towbridge. There's also a slew of younger players ready to step up for star sophomore quarterback Lamar Jackson. Louisville's going to be a favorite stop for NFL teams."

Of the group of five school's that made Reuter's list, Louisville is the only non-traditional powerhouse college football program, joining Alabama, LSU, Michigan (which I find interesting as it was only two years ago they were a dumpster fire), and ACC rival Florida State.

To further go along with Reuter's article, ESPN's Mel Kiper has 3 Cardinals in the top 5 of their respective position. He has Keith Kelsey as the No. 3 inside linebacker, Devonte Fields as the No.3 outside linebacker, and Josh Harvey-Clemons just creeping in the list as the No. 5 safety.

With the season still months away (and the draft a year away, for that matter,), it seems that the hype around this years' Cardinal football team is not only coming from fans/the local media outlets, but plenty of national outlets as well.

Exciting times are comin'.