The NFL draft is only two days away and Draft Wire managing editor has a four-round mock draft to digest as the final hours tick away before the actual fun begins.
What does he see happening with the Arizona Cardinals?
With three of the four picks the Cardinals have in the first four round, he has them going with defensive players.
Here are his picks for the Cardinals.
Round 1: Auburn DL Derrick Brown
The Cardinals do need impact players on the defensive line. They land Brown, who could be a Week 1 starter.
Yes, offensive tackle is a need, and the Cards need to do everything they can to help Kyler Murray succeed. But that also means giving him a strong defense, and this team desperately needs a difference-maker in the middle to replace what they’ve been missing since Calais Campbell’s departure. Brown is a ridiculous athlete for his size, and a disruptive force up front.
Brown is a very safe pick because of the effort with which he plays. He will make an impact on the Cardinals’ run defense. However, the question is whether he will ever be a guy they count on in sub packages. He is a great guy and loves football, but should the Cardinals look for more production with the No. 8 pick?
Round 3: LSU OT Saahdiq Charles
Charles won’t likely have the immediate impact that a tackle in the first round would have had, but he does give the Cardinals someone to look forward to 2021 and beyond. Marcus Gilbert is under contract for one year and has only played 12 games in the last three seasons. Justin Murray is on a one-year deal. D.J. Humphries extended his contract for three years but has only finished one season he has played healthy.
Round 4: Iowa CB Michael Ojemudia
Ojemudia will give the Cardinals cornerback depth and someone who could hopefully grow into a starting role as early as 2021. He has the requisite length and athleticism and his forte is in man coverage.
Round 4: Alabama EDGE Anfernee Jennings
Jennings might lack in length and pass-rushing upside, but he is strong at the point of the attack and was a permanent team captain for Alabama. HE had eight sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss, an interception and five pass breakups last season.
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