We have another full mock draft simulation to try and see how different scenarios might play out for the Arizona Cardinals. In this latest simulation, one top defensive player unexpectedly falls to the Cardinals with the eighth overall pick in the draft.
And as a result of how things work out in the first two rounds, the Cardinals don’t end up with any offensive linemen.
Here is how the mock draft resulted.
Round 1: Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah
In my rankings of the players the Cardinals could take eighth overall, Okudah doesn’t make the list, but only because the assumption was he wouldn’t be available. However, the top two players I would take would be Chase Young and Okudah. Okudah sets the Cardinals up nicely at cornerback for the present and future. The potential shutdown corner could allow the Cardinals to trade Patrick Peterson or to pair the two with Byron Murphy for a dominant trio of corners.
If he is available, there is no debating this pick. Although the need is low, you never pass on a shutdown cornerback when he is also the best player on the board.
Round 2: Baylor WR Denzel Mims
By selecting Okudah in the first round, the ideal selection here would be a tackle because a receiver could be drafted later. However, none of the tackles rated as highly as Mims, who is projected by many to be drafted in the first round. But the Cardinals feel relatively comfortable with Justin Murray at right tackle and will likely add a player with the ability to start there as well, so there isn’t a need to force a pick. And Mims could be huge in the Cardinals’ offense. He has size, speed, elite quickness and playmaking ability.
Round 3: Missouri DL Jordan Elliott
Elliott fills a big need on the defensive line and gives the Cardinals two straight years with an interior defender in the third round. His Pro Football Focus rating suggests he will draw interest from the Cardinals.
Round 4: Florida State RB Cam Akers
The running back class is talented and Akers should be drafted higher in most years. He is a steal in the fourth round, as he was great for the Seminoles when he was really the only offensive threat. Whether the Cardinals bring back Kenyan Drake, Akers makes sense here.
Round 6: Cal LB Evan Weaver
The Cardinals need help at linebacker and have interest in Weaver already. He won’t shore up the issues they have in coverage at linebacker but still is a player coaches like to have. He tested better than many believed so he could have a future in the league.
Round 7: Utah CB Javelin Guidry
Guidry might be small at 5-9, but he is fast and strong. At minimum he can be an impact special teams player.
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Ep. 261
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