It’s right in the middle of college football season, but it’s never too early for Arizona Cardinals fans to think about the future, which admittedly looks pretty bright with their recent success.
A big part of that is next year’s draft. Obviously there’s no way to tell where they will be picking, but they still do have some clear needs on both sides of the ball that could be filled by guys playing on Saturdays at the moment. Here are are 10 to keep your eyes on:
Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State
Starting with an obvious one here, Young is considered by many draft pundits to be the best pass rusher and player in next year’s draft. If the Cardinals are in the top 10, even though it’s not their biggest need, they would be wise to take Young, much like they did with Patrick Peterson once upon a time.
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Reuniting Lamb with Kyler Murray, his former teammate, would make a ton of sense and it would give the Cardinals a true number one receiver.
Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin
With D.J. Humphries playing better, it seems that perhaps adding someone on the interior might make sense. Biadasz is considered by many one of the top interior line prospects. While he lines up at center for the Badgers now, he could probably slide in at guard as well.
Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
One of the bigger needs for Arizona is a playmaking defensive lineman. Brown delivers splash plays week after week for the Tigers and would make a lot of sense as a first-rounder.
Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
Dye continues to impress for the Ducks as a tackling machine and could be had in the later rounds to potentially replace Haason Reddick down the road.
Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
With the recent success Arizona has had, it’s easy to forget that they do have some holes to fill along the O-Line, the biggest of which is at right tackle. Justin Murray has done well under the circumstances, but Wirfs is a phenomenal right tackle and would be well worth a first-round pick for the Cards.
Jared Pinkney, TE, Vanderbilt
With the success of Maxx Williams this season, Arizona may dabble in the draft this next year, and Pinkney is a good place to start.
Trey Sermon, RB, Oklahoma
Sermon doesn’t pop necessarily in any one area, but his pass blocking has been noted, something that Arizona would want in a third back, which they may need with David Johnson’s injury issues.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
If Arizona chooses to find a number one receiver in free agency (not as likely) then they could look to add to their depth with the hometown Aiyuk on Day 3.
Anfernee Jennings, Edge, Alabama
Another guy who could play above his draft stock, Jennings is a later Day 2 or Day 3 guy who could help the Cardinals after Terrell Suggs inevitably retires.
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