NFL players who are selected in the first round of the draft are expected to contribute. Most don’t get the luxury of being able to sit and acclimate themselves to the league. Instead, they are generally forced into starting, whether ready to play or not.
Robert Nkemdiche was allowed to be an exception. The Arizona Cardinals drafted the controversial defensive lineman in round one, despite some off the field issues that popped up in the spring of 2016. He was taken with the 29th pick overall to a mix of glee and sadness from fans.
Nkemdiche’s rookie season didn’t go exactly how he planned, or how fans wanted.