We are a little more than two weeks away from the 2023 NFL draft and ESPN’s Mel Kiper has a new mock draft that goes two rounds.
In it, the Arizona Cardinals trade back in the first round and end up with three picks in two rounds.
Let’s look at what the projections are for the Cardinals.
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Trade with Titans
In Kiper’s mock draft, he has the Tennessee Titans moving up from No. 11 to No. 3.
What do the Titans have to give up?
He projects it would take their second-round pick this year (No. 41), their 2024 first-round pick and their first or second-round pick in 2025.
Basing the compensation on the 49ers’ move from No. 12 to No. 3 in the 2021 draft, this is about right.
Round 1, pick 11: Texas Tech EDGE Tyree Wilson
Will Anderson is the pick most universally want for the Cardinals at No. 3. Wilson, though, offers upside, length and athleticism. He is a more perfect fit as a 4-3 defensive end because of his size and length.
Arizona could go in a few different directions with this pick, including cornerback, offensive tackle or wide receiver. But who’s rushing the passer for this team? J.J. Watt retired and Zach Allen left in free agency. I like Myjai Sanders, but he’s raw. Cameron Thomas and Dennis Gardeck could take steps forward, but D-line is a massive need for the Cardinals. The 6-6 Wilson is a prototypical end who could thrive in new coach Jonathan Gannon’s defense.
They could go with a cornerback like Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez, but Wilson is an understandable pick. However, it feels like there is a higher bust possibility with him than other players.
Round 2, No. 34 overall: TCU WR Quentin Johnston
Johnston meets with the Cardinals Tuesday and many consider him the best receiver in the draft. He offers length and speed as well as production.
That will be needed if DeAndre Hopkins is traded.
If the Cardinals really do trade away DeAndre Hopkins, here’s a tall, outside wideout who could replace him. The 6-3 Johnston averaged 17.8 yards per catch last season. He can make contested catches and break tackles after he pulls down the ball. He wasn’t asked to run every route in college so he’ll have a learning curve, but he should make an instant impact inside the 20-yard line.
Round 2, No. 41 overall: Michigan DT Mazi Smith
The Cardinals need size, strength and production both inside and outside on the defensive line. Smith gives them the inside presence.
This pick comes from my trade projecting the Titans to move up to No. 3 for a quarterback. I got Arizona edge rusher Tyree Wilson with its first-round pick and let’s stay with the D-line. Smith is the best run-stopping tackle in this class. At 6-3, 323 pounds, he is so strong at the point of attack. He’ll never rack up sacks, but he can eat up blockers in the run game.
