Rumors abound during this time of year for the NFL draft. The latest one involving the Cardinals is that they are a “trade-back” candidate, even with specific reports recently reporting that Denver is eyeing a trade up with the Cards.
One can never be sure at this time of year, given all the false rumors out there. But what if Arizona does trade back? Who could they target at a pick such as numbers 15 or 16 as an example?
Here are five players that could interest them, including a couple of surprising names:
Oklahoma LB Kenneth Murray
One ex-Oklahoma Sooner that has not really been talked about as a fit for Arizona would be the versatile Murray, who Arizona has met with in private.
At 6-2 and 234 pounds, he’s a bit on the smaller side for an ideal Vance Joseph linebacker, but, much like Arizona did with DJ Humphries, he can site for a year and learn with De’Vondre Campbell penciled in as a starter.
Plus, wouldn’t it make for a great story – 2 “K-Murrays” for the Cards? He’s no CeeDee Lamb, but I’m sure Kyler would be glad to see him.
TCU CB Jeff Gladney
Gladney seemed to be a surprise choice for Arizona to meet with, given that pick 8 seems early and they don’t have a second-round selection.
However, if they trade down into the middle of the first round and they view Gladney as a starting cornerback, it would make a lot of sense to select him, given that Jeff Okudah and the aforementioned Henderson might be off the board.
Gladney seems to share the same characteristics as Henderson in that he would seem to fit well in Arizona’s scheme, with the difference being that Gladney comes off a bit more physical on tape.
Alabama WR Henry Ruggs
It would be a bit surprising to see Arizona trade back and then draft a wide receiver, but the scenario would make some sense with Denver rumored wanting to move up for Jerry Jeudy, and CeeDee Lamb receiving a lot of interest as well.
If Ruggs makes it past picks 12-14, with Oakland, San Francisco and Tampa Bay likely all targeting a wide receiver somewhere in the draft, the Cardinals could pounce.
He, of course, would seem to fit well and immediately replace Andy Isabella’s role in Arizona’s four-wide sets. The ex-Crimson Tide wideout could likely play outside or in, stretching the field for Kyler Murray and company.
Houston OT Josh Jones
Pick 15 may seem slightly early for Jones, viewed by many as the fifth, sixth or seventh-best offensive lineman in the class.
However, they may value his production in college, much like they did with Zack Allen last year, to draft him higher than some other teams would have him.
And, given that they have two potential starters along the right side, they could have him sit his rookie season, much like D.J. Humphries did.
South Carolina DL Javon Kinlaw
Kinlaw has the plus athleticism that Derrick Brown does not seem to have, and would step in as a starter at defensive end along the Cards’ 3-4 front next to Corey Peters and Jordan Phillips.
His biggest concerns might be his lack of production before this past season and his injury history. But one would have to think that defensive line still is a big need for the Cards, and with his raw tools, Brentson Buckner could coach him up well.
Other possibilities
Lately, it does not seem to make sense to draft a running back in Round 1, but both De’Andre Swift and Jonathan Taylor would seem to be good fits.
CJ Henderson and Andrew Thomas might have made this list a few days ago, but recent rumors make it seem like they may not be there in the middle of the first round.
The first round might be too high, but Ezra Cleveland’s stock has steadily risen and Arizona could pounce on him if they trade down deeper into Round 1.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
Ep.265
Ep. 264
