What if Arizona surprises everyone and goes with a different offensive tackle than many have them taking?
What if they take Andrew Thomas at number 8 overall?
This simulation looks what would happen if the Cards do just that:
Round 1: Georgia OT Andrew Thomas
Thomas may not excite fans like the massive Mekhi Becton, or be as athletic as Tristan Wirfs, or as dominant in the run game as Jedrick Wills.
But one thing he may be more than the other top three tackles? A very safe pick.
Given the Cardinals’ history of first-round picks that have not worked out very well, safe may be good. Thomas has the potential to be a solid right tackle for years, then take over at left tackle should something happen to DJ Humphries.
Round 3: California S Ashtyn Davis
It was a tough call, given that there were several interesting players on the board, including Dayton TE Adam Trautman, Boise State EDGE Curtis Weaver and Notre Dame EDGE Julian Okwara were still there, but I went with Davis, the highest-rated player on the board.
While he is not a name that many Cardinals fans have seen in mock drafts, Davis would have the ability and immediately step in at starter as a deep free safety, and allow Budda Baker to roam around underneath in more of a strong safety role.
Given Arizona’s struggles against the pass last season, to have the speedy Davis to shore up the back end, even if he’s only a part-time player, would seem to make a lot of sense.
Round 4: Washington C Nick Harris
There were a few names that would interest Arizona fans left on the board, such as Kyler Murray’s cousin Devin Duvernay, but the highest player remaining was actually Alohi Gilman, whom the Cardinals met with.
But since I already took Davis, I went with the athletic Harris, who could likely instantly step in as Mason Cole’s backup. It is, of course, worth noting how the Cardinals like to draft Huskies.
Round 4: Syracuse EDGE Alton Robinson
The beginning of Day 3 would seem to be a good place to add a situational pass rusher for the Cards, given that after Chandler Jones and Devin Kennard, they don’t have much depth.
Robinson had quite the Senior Bowl with two sacks and also recently met over FaceTime with Arizona:
Round 6: Georgia DL Tyler Clark
There were a few interesting receivers still on the board, including John Hightower from Boise State, but ultimately I snatched up someone who could help Arizona’s depth along their D-Line quickly in the ex-Bulldog Clark.
He looked very good at times for Georgia but other times he disappeared, which is why he would likely fall to Day 3. However, he would only need to play a few plays a game, which would seem to be decent value for a Round 6 pick.
Round 7: TCU RB Darius Anderson
The final pick would likely be someone the Cardinals wouldn’t want to take a chance would go somewhere else as a free agent after the draft.
Given that they only have 3 running backs, and given last year’s injuries, it would not be a surprise for them to take a chance on a running back.
Arizona Wildcats running back J.J. Taylor was still on the board, but it would seem that Darius “Jet” Anderson would be a better fit, and could even see some rotational snaps as a rookie and time on special teams.
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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