Based on the names of the players that have come out as having had contact with the Arizona Cardinals, it would seem the team would like to trade down in the first round, hopefully adding a second-round pick. The players consistently seem to be ones pegged to be selected between picks 15 and 50.
However, in a mock draft simulation I ran, the Cardinals were unable to work a trade with either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos or Atlanta Falcons that would bring a second-round pick to the Cardinals. All three teams reportedly are looking to move up in the draft but were unwilling to give up a second-round pick.
So here are the results of this simulation for the Cardinals.
Round 1: Louisville OT Mekhi Becton
Becton is Daniel Jeremiah’s No. 1 tackle in the draft, but in this simulation, the first tackle to be selected in Tristan Wirfs at No. 5 overall. Becton has experience playing both tackle positions. He is a mammoth of a young man an has very quick feet and good speed. His technique improved tremendously from 2018 to 2019, showing how coachable he is. And his tape shows him throwing guys around with ease. He can play right tackle as a rookie and gives the Cardinals flexibility if D.J. Humphries gets hurt or underperforms during his new contract.
Round 3: Colorado WR Laviska Shenault
Shenault is another freakishly built player. He is big and has athleticism. There have been questions about durability which push him down to the third round but he recently got the all-clear medically that he is 100 percent.
Round 4: Notre Dame Alohi Gilman
Gilman is a guy you will love to watch play. At the very minimum, he will be a stud special teams player. He has great football character. He has athleticism and could be a starting-caliber safety. The Cardinals don’t have a great need at safety, but that ceiling is good for the future and his special teams play will be loved.
Round 4: Syracuse EDGE Alton Robinson
Robinson was a stud at the Senior Bowl. He has a limited ceiling but could be a very nice rotational pass rusher to add to the mix.
Round 6: Georgia Southern CB Kindle Vildor
Another guy from the Senior Bowl, he had nine career interceptions. He has the requisite speed and athleticism to be good. He has experience on special teams. There is some upside with him.
Round 7: Maryland RB Javon Leake
He has good size but doesn’t have great speed. However, he was very productive in limited carries in college, averaging 7.9 yards per carry in his college career. He also had 17 touchdowns in 145 rushes. That is one score every 8.5 rushing attempts.
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Ep. 264
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