The Arizona Cardinals are not only looking at pass rushers in the weeks leading up to the NFL draft, although it does feel that way. They have met or will meet with Day 1 pass-rushing prospects and guys expected to go on Day 2 and Day 3.
But they also have their eyes on running backs.
One running back to know for Day 3 or perhaps as a priority free agent is Peny Boone out of UCF.
Boone told The Draft Network's Justin Melo that the Cardinals are one of several teams that have spoken with him.
Boone is the less-heralded back from UCF. R.J. Harvey is the big name who rushed for over 1,500 yards and led the Big 12 with 22 rushing touchdowns and 25 total scores.
Boone played six games for UCF in 2024 after leading the MAC in 2023 with 1,400 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 7.7 yards per attempt for Toledo and winning MAC Player of the Year. In 2024 for UCF and playing behind Harvey, he had 208 rushing yards on 6.1 yards per carry and scored twice.
He is a bigger player at his position at six feet and 225 pounds. Boone did not get invited to the combine but tested at his pro day. He said his 40 times was the 4.5-second range. It was officially 4.69 seconds, so not great. But he posted a 6.93-second three-cone and 4.36-second short shuttle.
The Cardinals don't need a starting running back as they have James Conner, and 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson is expected to be an impact player for the Cardinals in 2025.
However, Emari Demercado is coming off a back injury, so there perhaps is a door open to make the team in the third-down/special teams role. Guess what? Boone might be a guy to do that.
"I’m going to help an NFL team at the next level," he told Melo. "I can help protect the quarterback and catch the football on third down. I can play on special teams. I feel like I’m ready to contribute right away.
"I’m a great teammate as well. Playing in the NFL has always been my dream. I’m going to put my best foot forward. I’ve had to work for everything I have. It’s going to be more of the same at the next level."
If Boone is going to be drafted by the Cardinals and make the team, that is exactly what he would have to do.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: NFL draft: UCF RB Peny Boone has spoken with Arizona Cardinals
