This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Tempe, Ariz. • The Arizona Cardinals have selected defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche of Mississippi with the 29th pick in the NFL draft.
Nkemdiche was considered one of the most talented players in the draft but he was still available late in the first round due to an incident last December at an Atlanta hotel, when he fell 15 feet through a broken window.
He was charged with marijuana possession after the drug was found in the hotel room.
The Cardinals front office and coaches believe they have the kind of solid locker room culture, led on defense by Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Peterson, to help Nkemdiche succeed.
Mathieu had his own marijuana issues in the past but has become a standout leader for the Cardinals.