As we get closer to the NFL draft, a few potential trade-down scenarios have come up for the Arizona Cardinals. Reportedly, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons are all interested in moving into the top 10 of the draft.
The Cardinals have the eighth overall pick. In a new seven-round mock draft from NFL.com’s Chad Reuter, Atlanta makes a trade with the Cardinals, giving Arizona the No. 16 pick and the No. 47 pick — a second-round selection — to move up to No. 8.
Here are the results and some analysis of the selections.
Round 1: LSU EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson
The Cardinals have not been connected to a pass rusher yet in the draft, at least in the first round. With Chandler Jones and Devon Kennard, they are set for the starting lineup. But you can’t really have too many pass rushers and they could use talent to come off the bench.
However, in this mock draft, the Cardinals pass on defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw and tackle Jedrick Wills. Wills could be selected as high as fourth overall. It would be hard seeing the Cardinals pass on him with the 16th pick.
The class of edge defenders after Ohio State’s Chase Young doesn’t look too special overall, despite it being a premium position. Kinlaw or Wills would make more sense in terms of upside and need.
Round 2: Oklahoma DL Neville Gallimore
Gallimore would be an exciting pick in the second round. He has great size and exceptional movement skills and athleticism. However, that didn’t lead to a ton of production. In four years with the Sooners, he only had a total of 8.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss.
Left on the board after the Cardinals pick in this mock draft are pass rusher Josh Uche, cornerback Trevon Diggs, running backs Cam Akers and Clyde Helaire-Edwards and linebacker Jordyn Brooks. Receiver Jalen Reagor is also still on the board.
Round 3: Utah RB Zack Moss
If the Cardinals are pleased with Moss’ medical information, he is a player they like. He is a workhorse and grades out very highly analytically. He gives the Cardinals flexibility to not have to commit to Kenyan Drake long-term.
Round 4: TCU OT Lucas Niang
This becomes a very nice value pick. Niang has some upside but might not start as a rookie. He could if he beats out Marcus Gilbert and Justin Murray, but he does have talent. This makes up some for passing on Wills.
Round 4: Penn State DL Robert Windsor
Here the Cardinals double down on the defensive line despite drafting two last year and adding an undrafted rookie who made the team. They also added Jordan Phillips and re-signed Jonathan Bullard.
He is a little undersized and doesn’t have consistent production as a pass rusher, so it is an interesting pick for the fourth round, especially when Alabama DT Raekwon Davis is still on the board.
Round 6: Florida State CB Levonta Taylor
Some Taylor is better suited as becoming a safety. He is 5-10 and 190 pounds. He had four interceptions in his last three seasons but returned two for touchdowns.
Round 7: North Dakota State TE Ben Ellefson
Ellefson was not invited to the combine so there isn’t a lot of information on him, other than he projects as an H-back tight end.
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. 264
Ep. 263
