For the second year in a row in the NFL draft, the Arizona Cardinals are landing players with draft picks that do not match at all where they had them ranked. Based on what has been said about their draft boards, they are getting incredible value.
In 2019, general manager Steve Keim said they got three players in their top 25 and five in their top 50. Quarterback Kyler Murray was their No. 1 player. Cornerback Byron Murphy, drafted in the second round, was their No. 5 player overall. Defensive lineman Zach Allen, selected in the third round, was in their top 25. Receivers Andy Isabella and Hakeem Butler, drafted respectively in the second and fourth rounds, were in their top 50.
It has happened again. Their first-round selection, linebacker Isaiah Simmons, was drafted with the eighth overall pick. Keim said Simmons was in their top five and one comment suggests he was in their top two.
Their next pick, tackle Josh Jones, whom they selected No. 72 overall, was rated in their top 30.
Now these players need to perform on the field to show their evaluations are on point.
But for now, it looks like the Cardinals are winning the draft for the second year in a row, even though they have only had two picks in the first three rounds.
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.265
Ep. 264
