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2016 NFL Mock Draft: Week 3 edition

By Dani Bostick

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) gestures while running onto the field prior to the Panthers game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. The Cavaliers won 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) gestures while running onto the field prior to the Panthers game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. The Cavaliers won 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Pittsburgh. James Conner. 30. player. 32. . RB

The Cardinals have a balanced squad that functions well when it isn’t decimated by injury after injury. The team could use more depth at running back. University of Pittsburgh running back James Conner could provide that depth and add another dimension to the Cardinals’ run game.

Conner is a 6’2″, 240-pound running back currently out with a season-ending knee injury. An American Football Coaches Association All-American and ACC Player of the Year his 2014 sophomore year, Conner has prodigious vision, speed, and just about any other characteristic valued in a running back. Last year he ran for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns coming off of his 2013 freshman year during which he totaled 799 yards in 11 games.

It is disappointing Conner’s season ended so early, especially since he had been showing steady improvement and could have had a season even more productive and impressive than his break-out season in 2014. He is a one-of-a-kind athlete, unparalleled at pit since Tony Dorsett, many of whose records he broke during his All-American season.

At 6’2″ and 250 pounds, Conner relies on power and force more than finesse and acrobatics. Nonetheless, underneath his power and force is a good dose of agility and craftiness. He is a smart player with great vision and instincts.

Conner has unfinished business at Pitt and knows his stock could be higher if he waits another year. If he is in the draft and gets the attention he deserves, despite his injury, he would be a steal for the Cardinals at the end of the first round.

Next: No. 31 Green Bay Packers

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