Mock drafts are simply potential scenarios that could play out. The latest mock draft comes from the Arizona Republic’s Bob McManaman. In his mock of the first round, the Arizona Cardinals pick a player commonly connected to them, while another pick falls a little bit.
For the Cardinals, he makes Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb the selection.
They could go with an offensive tackle here or snag the best linebacker in Isaiah Simmons, but I’m putting my money on Lamb for now. He has a history with Kyler Murray and he’s the best wideout in this draft. You know, unless they think it’s Jerry Jeudy.
They pass on the super-athletic Simmons, who could be the answer to the Cardinals’ issues in guarding tight ends and running backs in pass defense. They pass on the huge and athletic Louisville tackle Mekhi Becton.
Lamb makes a lot of sense. If he and Jerry Jeudy are very similar in draft grade, his connection to Murray and his familiarity already with the offense could be the deciding factor.
He was the focal point of opposing defenses at Oklahoma and still put up big numbers.
It almost feels like there isn’t a wrong pick for the Cardinals here. They could use a big-time receiver. They could use a top tackle. Their problems on defense are well documented.
It’s a shame that Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah doesn’t make it all the way to the eighth pick. He goes fifth to the Miami Dolphins in a bit of a surprise. They don’t take a quarterback because both Joe Burrows and Tua Tagovailoa are already off the board.
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. 258
Ep. 257
