With the 177th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals have drafted Justin Bethel, a cornerback out of Presbyterian College. He had a strong 2011 season, with four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and was named the Big South player of the year.
Bethel started all four years at Presbyterian, during which he totaled nine blocked kicks. His 2011 season included 3 of those blocks, plus a punt return for a touchdown. His special teams ability may have been what drove the Cardinals pick, but his size and athleticism make him an attractive sixth round pick as well. He raised some eyebrows with video of a 60 inch box jump, and managed 39.5 at the Combine, the best for his position. Coming out of the Big South, there will be a sizeable adjustment if Bethel wants to play at the NFL level, but if he puts in the work could see playing time with special teams and beyond.
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