The Arizona Cardinals have several options for the NFL draft later this month. Holding the No. 1 overall pick, they are in a position to change the franchise.
Thus far, it appears their three favorite players in the draft are Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams and Kyler Murray. Murray and Bosa are the expected favorites if they keep the No. 1 pick and Williams would be next if they trade down.
If the Cardinals trade down to the fourth pick, something that has been suggested as a possibility, the Cardinals could possibly still land Williams.
However, what if they were to trade down and none of their three favorites are available?
Here are some possible players who could come into play.
Brian Burns, Florida State
Burns is a hyper-athletic pass rusher. Though he is thin like Leonard Floyd on the Chicago Bears, he measured in at the combine at 6-5, 249 pounds, which fits the 3-4 OLB frame most teams who run that scheme seek.
He has speed off the edge and was productive in college, picking up 10 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss last season with Florida State. He isn’t Nick Bosa but he still should be a double-digit sack guy in the league.
Ed Oliver, Houston
Oliver is on the smaller end of interior defensive linemen but was considered a potential No. 1 pick before last season began. He missed four games for Houston but still finished with 54 tackles, 14.5 for a loss and three sacks.
Athletically, he matches up with interior defenders, edge defenders and off-the-ball linebackers.
Some give him and Quinnen Williams the same grade. Adding him to a front that will include Chandler Jones, Terrell Suggs, Corey Peters and Darius Philon could be fun.
Jonah Williams, Alabama
The Cardinals need offensive line help and Williams is considered the top prospect among offensive linemen. Could he be the player to break the Cardinals’ longtime first-round OL curse?
Rashan Gary, Michigan
Gary is a freak athlete with NFL size. He is bigger than most guys off the edge at 6-4, 277 and a tad lighter than some interior defenders but he has the potential to play both.
He ran the 40 in 4.58 seconds at the combine and has other explosive traits like a 38-in vertical and 10-foot broad jump. He has strength and girth. He could be great against the run and as a pass rusher. He is an absolute dog.
Devin White, LSU
The Cardinals have 2017 first-round pick Haason Reddick and free agent addition Jordan Hicks at linebacker but White might be too good to pass on. Of course, it would mean a third first-round pick used on a linebacker since Steve Keim took over as GM.
Jawaan Taylor, Florida
The Cardinals already have two former Florida tackles in D.J. Humphries and Marcus Gilbert. Both will be free agents after the season. Taylor could supplant one or replace one after 2019.
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