Another week gone by means another look at simulating the NFL draft for the Arizona Cardinals. Last week, there was a trade scenario in the first round, moving down and picking up a second-round pick. In this new seven-round mock draft simulation, the Cardinals move down from the eighth overall pick to the 15th overall pick, swapping with the Denver Broncos and picking up two third-round selections in the deal.
How does the draft play out for the Cardinals after that?
Round 1, pick 15: Florida CB CJ Henderson
All top four tackles were off the board, as were receivers CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs. Defensive linemen Derrick Brown and Javon Kinlaw were also already drafted. Here the Cardinals land one of the most talented cornerbacks in the draft. It isn’t a 2020 need but with Robert Alford coming off a broken leg, it creates potential competition and Henderson would line up as the starter in 2021.
Round 3, pick 8: Notre Dame WR Chase Claypool
So the Cardinals could use a big fast target on the outside at receiver. How about a 6-4 receiver who ran the 40 in under 4.4 seconds? That should do. He had 66 catches for 1,037 yards and a whopping 13 touchdowns. In four wide receiver sets, Claypool with DeAndre Hopkins, Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk might be the best blend of skillsets.
Round 3, pick 13: Louisiana OL Robert Hunt
Hunt is an under-the-radar prospect Cardinals fans should get excited about. He projects as either a tackle or a guard, depending on who you talk to and he has great athleticism and length. Getting him in the third round might be a steal if offensive line coach Sean Kugler can help him clean up a few things.
Round 3, pick 31: LSU DL Rashard Lawrence
Here they get to address the defensive line and land a big guy from a championship team. Lawrence might not be Derrick Brown or Javon Kinlaw but he plays with intensity on the field, he is a leader off the field and has the requisite size, strength and athleticism to have a nice NFL career. He should contribute early.
Round 4, pick 8: Notre Dame S Alohi Gilman
Gilman has the Cardinals’ interest. He is another high-character, high-intensity player who is a leader. At minimum, he will be impactful on special teams as a rookie, as they do not really have any holes in the starting lineup at safety.
Round 4, pick 25: Purdue LB Markus Bailey
Bailey would be a much higher draft pick were he not coming off a knee injury. His knees are a red flag, but the skill and production are there. He has the size and movement ability Vance Joseph likes in his linebackers.
Round 6, pick 23: South Carolina EDGE D.J. Wonnum
Wonnum has length at 6-5 with arms that are 34 1/8 inches long. He is another high-character football player but has a limited upside. However, in the sixth round, if you get any production out of him on defense, it is a win.
Round 7, pick 8: Vanderbilt TE Jared Pinkney
Pinkney projects as an H-back tight end, which the Cardinals do like to use. He has the size, speed, athleticism and skills to be solid but doesn’t always put it all together. He had 50 receptions in 2018.
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Ep. 263
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