We have a new mock draft from Draft Wire managing editor Jeff Risdon. He put together three rounds of projections with three weeks left before the start of the draft.
In it, he has the Arizona Cardinals trading out of the third overall pick, moving all the way back to the 11th pick.
Check out what he has the Cardinals getting in this mock draft.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
The trade
Cardinals trade pick No. 3, pick No. 105 (Round 4) to the Titans
Cardinals receive pick No. 11, pick No. 72 (Round 3), pick No. 147 (Round 5), 2024 first-rounder
This doesn’t seem like enough.
The San Francisco 49ers, moving from the 12th pick to the third pick in 2021 to draft quarterback Trey Lance, gave up the 12th pick (and no other 2021 picks, first and third-round picks in 2022 and a first-rounder in 2023.
For the Cardinals have to give up a fourth-round pick and then only get third-rounder in this draft is not enough, even with the 2023 first-rounder .
For the Cardinals to move back that far, they will not only want future picks, they will also want current picks.
The 49ers had to give up two future firsts because they didn’t give up any other picks in the current draft they were in.
Using that trade as the framework for one with the Cardinals and Titans, but still getting future picks, how about this?
The Cardinals trade No. 3 to the Titans.
The Titans trade the No. 11 and No. 42 (Round 2) and then add a 2024 first and 2025 second-round pick.
Round 1: Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez
Gonzalez would be a great pick at No. 11.
He exploded in 2022 with four interceptions and seven pass breakups.
He has length at 6-foot-1 and speed, running the 40 at the combine in 4.38 seconds.
Round 2: Boston College WR Zay Flowers
A second-round receiver would be a surprise, especially when he is another short, fast one. Flowers is 5-foot-9 and weighed 182 pounds at the combine.
Round 3: USC DL Tuli Tuipulotu
Tuipulotu is 6-foot-3 and weighed 266 pounds at the combine. He was listed at USC at 6-4 and 290.
He had 13.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss for the Trojans. This could be a steal of a pick.
Round 3: UAB RB DeWayne McBride
McBride is another potential steal. He is 5-foot-10 and 209 pounds. He rushed for more than 1,700 yards last season, averaging 7.4 yards per carry, and he scored 19 touchdowns in 12 games.
Round 3: SMU WR Rashee Rice
A second receiver in three rounds would be shocking.
He at least is 6 feet tall, though.
He had 96 catches last season for 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns.
