Another week of free agency has passed and the Arizona Cardinals have basically filled every starting spot they had open. That creates flexibility for the NFL draft.
How might the draft look now?
Here is the latest full-draft simulation I ran for the Cardinals.
Round 1: Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb
If the Cardinals are looking to have their first-round pick have the most impact now, an offensive lineman might not be the way to go. The top defensive players are already off the board, so a big-time receiver is the way to go. Lamb will get to play in the Cardinals’ four-wide sets and can make an impact even as a rookie.
Round 3: Mississippi State LB Willie Gay
De’Vondre Campbell is only contract for one season and is believed to be the Cardinals’ answer to guarding backs and tight ends. That is what Gay does best. He has some learning to do in the running game but has the skills to play in coverage. He might even be able to get sub package snaps as a rookie.
Round 4: Utah RB Zack Moss
At running back, I could have taken Memphis’ Antonio Gibson, who is super fast and is built like David Johnson was coming out of college, and he was a former receiver. While I think he might be a better fit for the Cardinals on offense, there is documented interest in Moss by the team. He is a workhorse and will always move the pile forward. With Kenyan Drake only under contract for one season, having someone who could take over for in 2021 is not a bad idea.
Round 4: Syracuse EDGE Alton Robinson
Robinson was impressive at the Senior Bowl, and that is something that the Cardinals always value. He has the talent to be a solid pass rusher in the league, but might not be more than a sub player for pass-rushing situations. That works just fine for the Cardinals, who need that pass-rushing depth behind Chandler Jones and Devon Kennard.
Round 6: Baylor DL James Lynch
He has visited with the Cardinals. He is athletic and is the type of player fans will enjoy watching. He might not be more than a rotational defensive lineman, but every team needs them.
Round 7: Michigan OL Jon Runyan
The Cardinals love selecting athletic linemen on Day 3 of the draft. This continues the trend. Runyan is quite athletic and has potential as either a guard or a tackle in the NFL. He comes from NFL bloodlines, his father having been a Pro Bowl offensive lineman as well. With Sean Kugler’s coaching, he could develop into something. It gives the Cardinals someone to develop.
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. 262
Ep. 261
