At this point with just more than a week remaining until the actual NFL draft, almost all scenarios have been played out in mock drafts. However, in a new mock draft from Draft Wire managing editor Luke Easterling, he poses a surprise for every team picking in the top 10.
While every surprise is almost certain not to happen, any one of them individually could.
What is the surprise he has for the Arizona Cardinals, who hold the eighth overall pick in the draft?
He has them trading back six spots. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, seeking a tackle to protect Tom Brady, use the eighth pick to select Alabama tackle Jedrick Wills.
For the Bucs to move up, it could cost them their second-round pick, which would be a boost the Cardinals. They currently do not have a second-round pick because they sent to the Houston Texans as part of the DeAndre Hopkins trade.
In their trade down to No. 14, the Cardinals take Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown.
Brown is a player often connected to the Cardinals with the eighth pick. It is even better to get him at No. 14 and have an extra pick. Brown is big, strong and plays with endless effort. He could be a starter in Week 1 along with Corey Peters and new free agent addition Jordan Phillips.
They pass on speedy receiver Henry Ruggs and take care of perhaps the Cardinals’ greatest immediate need on the defense. If they are able to add a tackle in the second round, then this would be a win for the Cardinals if this is the scenario that plays out on draft night.
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. 264
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