For many Arizona Cardinals fans, life is a bit torn right now. Should they move forward with last year’s No. 10 pick Josh Rosen or start over with Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray?
With cornerback Patrick Peterson unhappy, should they trade him for a top pick or multiple picks, or keep him?
If general manager Steve Keim knows exactly what he will do, he isn’t telling. , so let us take a break from all the noise and do a simple, hopeful, optimistic mock draft.
Note: No trades are being mocked here for simplicity’s sake, but in most Cardinals fans’ minds, that would be ideal.
Round 1: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
There is just too much talk regarding Kyler Murray and too many credible sources for it to just be a smokescreen. Not only that, but analytics say he is just as good as last year’s top pick, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was Murray’s teammate at Oklahoma. Murray’s athleticism is special.
Others to consider: Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams, Josh Allen
Round 2: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
This would be a prime spot for Arizona to trade back if they don’t get what they want for Rosen. This is a deep draft and Arizon has many needs for which they have used bandaids for this far.
One major area of need, however, remains wide receiver. And if Murray is brought in or Rosen remains the starter, the hometown Harry being there at 33 would likely be too good to pass up.
Others to consider: Erik McCoy, Chris Lindstrom, Dalton Risner, AJ Brown, Jeffrey Simmons, Jerry Tillery, Darnell Savage, Dexter Lawrence
Round 3: Dre’mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
Jones likely would remind some fans of another Jones that got away — Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones.
This Jones might not have that upside, but he showed some major flashes for the Buckeyes, and new Cardinals linebacker coach Bill Davis ought to know that.
Others to consider: Riley Ridley, Emmanuel Hall, Kaleb McGary, Jojuan Williams, Germaine Pratt, Dawson Knox, Andy Isabella, Yodny Cojuste
Round 4: Chuma Udoga, OT, USC
It is a bit telling that the Cards came out and said they felt good about their depth on the offensive interior. Although they could and likely will address this in the draft, it might not be until later.
Enter Udoga whose athletic traits would likely translate well to Kingsbury’s scheme. He could sit behind both tackles and learn and be ready in 2020.
Round 5: Ugo Damadi, DB, Oregon
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This may be confusing to a few Cardinals fans. Do they really need another corner/safety hybrid?
They certainly do need a qualified long-term slot corner, and Amadi could also be safety help, something that the Cardinals value in the secondary.
Rounds 6-7
(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
Wesco would be a solid fit as a blocking TE coming from West Virginia’s spread offense.
If Cashman falls this far he would be the late round linebacker that Vince Joseph seems to like to develop.
Williams was very successful in Washington State’s spread offense so he could fill the RB3/4 role right away.
Doss is a fantastic route runner that could be a steal on Day 3.
Wise would add more much-needed depth and fits as a 3-technique.
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