It is known the Arizona Cardinals must make changes on offense because of their historically bad 2018. However, that doesn’t mean every pick in the draft they make will be on the offensive side of the ball.
They have needs on defense as well, and in NFL.com’s Chad Reuter’s latest three-round mock draft, the Cardinals take a defensive player in the first and the second round.
Who are the picks?
Round 1: Ohio State DE Nick Bosa
While all the attention is on whether or not the Cardinals will take Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray, Bosa sits atop the draft.
If Josh Rosen really is head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s guy at QB, then picking the best player in the draft makes sense here.
This makes complete sense and it gives defensive coordinator Vance Joseph exactly what he needs to make the defense great — two pass rushers to go along with his two corners.
Round 2: Michigan LB Devin Bush
While most mock drafts have the Cardinals going with an offensive lineman or receiver at the top of the second round, Reuter has them going with a first-round talent at linebacker in Bush.
Bush’s lack of size could keep him out of the first round — though it shouldn’t, as he’ll be a strong player inside or outside at the next level.
At 5-11, 233, he is not tall but he has the athleticism to do in Vane Joseph’s defense what he needs to do. He also meets the minimum 230 pounds to play inside linebacker in Joseph’s defense.
Round 3: Washington OT Kaleb McGary
Without going offense in the first two rounds, the Cardinals’ third-round pick almost has to be on the offensive line. Reuter believes McGary could start at right tackle as a rookie.
This is possible but far from a certainty. But it does address a major need the team has, and the pick makes total sense.
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