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One of the most popular Arizona State Sun Devils in recent memory has a chance of sticking around and being a hometown hero.
After missing all of his final season as a Sun Devil after a torn ACL suffered last April, Bolden has been diligently rehabbing in preparation for this month's NFL Draft. He was invited to the NFL Combine in February, where he led all defensive backs in the bench press category, and at ASU's Pro Day on March 16th, he showed off the great speed, agility and ball skills that led him to be named a first team All-Pac-12 player in 2010. Bolden then began the pre-draft visits with interested NFL teams.
Appearing two weeks ago on the Speak of the Devils show, Bolden said that among his planned visits to the New York Jets, New England Patriots and New York Giants, he also would also be meeting with the Arizona Cardinals. However, he did not say when the pre-draft visit would occur.
On Sunday evening, Bolden revealed that it would take place today:
Dear Az, I'll be there tom to visit with the Cardinals. Wouldn't that be something if I ended up there.... #PositiveLiving
— Omar C. Bolden (@Os_Island) April 9, 2012
Like most teams, the Cardinals have a need at cornerback. They spent last season's first round pick on LSU's Patrick Peterson, and after an exciting--if uneven--rookie year, he figures to lock down one starting spot for years to come.
After Peterson, it gets dicey.
After dealing Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round pick last offseason for quarterback Kevin Kolb, the team filled that void by signing Richard Marshall. He turned out to be the team's best coverage corner, but he signed with the Dolphins earlier in the offseason. Experienced veterans A.J. Jefferson, Michael Adams and Greg Toler are experienced veterans but none project as long-term starters.
Bolden has the size at 5'10" and 202 pounds and skillset to become a viable and productive NFL starter. With the injury, he projects as a third or fourth round selection, which could help the Cardinals as they do not have a second round pick.
However, by many indications, Bolden's stock is on the rise, and combined with the Cardinals having many other needs to address, the team may put off addressing the cornerback position until the later rounds, if at all.
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