The Arizona Cardinals only have two games remaining on their 2019 schedule and many fans have begun thinking about 2020. A big part of that is the NFL draft.
Free agency will play a big impact in which direction the Cardinals go in with their first several picks, but since they have several needs, they could go in many directions.
Looking at the current roster, there is a need either outright or for depth at any position outside of RB and specialists. The four likely biggest needs would be at receiver, offensive line, defensive line and, now with the release Terrell Suggs, edge defender. One could also make an argument that they need help at tight end, linebacker, cornerback and safety.
So this four-round mock draft will focus on those four positions and addressing those large needs for the Cardinals.
Round 1: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
The first round is the toughest call in any draft. With the Cardinals drafting likely in the top 10, there will be a lot of talented players to choose from, including what many fans call the perfect fit in Kyler Murray’s old college teammate.
Lamb can already do one thing better than any other receiver the Cardinals have and that is separate from the defense. His experience with Murray is a plus, as he would likely know what to do when Murray scrambles – not to mention how good he is after the catch.
Others considered: Auburn DL Derrick Brown, Georgia OT Andrew Thomas, Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa DE A.J Epenesa, Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons
Round 2: Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise St.
Weaver has the size that allows him to be a good fit in the 3-4 and has the motor that the Cardinals desperately need opposite from Chandler Jones. He might remind some of Markus Golden.
His 13.5 sacks this year would seem awfully nice on the other side of Jones, even if Weaver could use some seasoning.
Also considered: Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk, Alabama OT Alex Leatherwood, Florida State DT Marvin Wilson, TCU WR Jalen Reagor, Missouri DT Jordan Elliott, California S Ashtyn Davis, TCU CB Jeff Gladney
Round 3: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Jones has one thing going for him. Pro Football Focus has graded him very well over the past few seasons. And if Arizona follows that big board, like they seemingly did last season, Jones is likely already on their radar since he is the highest-rated draft-eligible tackle.
Also considered: Oregon LB Troy Dye, Oregon OT Calvin Throckmorton, Utah EDGE Bradlee Anae, Washington OT Trey Adams, Washington TE Hunter Bryant, Wisconsin EDGE Zach Baun, Stanford CB Paulson Adebo, Auburn OT Jack Driscoll, Florida EDGE Jonathan Greenard
Round 4: Rashard Lawrence, DT, LSU
At this point in the draft, Arizona would be lucky to have a solid player like Lawrence fall in its lap. He likely could play anywhere along the defensive line and would provide the plan for life after Corey Peters.
Also considered: Baylor WR Denzel Mims, Arizona State RB Eno Benjamin, Tennessee OL Trey Smith, Temple OL Matt Hennessy, Georgia S J.R. Reed, LSU WR Justin Jefferson
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
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