Thus far, with my weekly full mock draft simulations, there have been no trade scenarios. The Arizona Cardinals simply make selections with their original picks.
In my latest full seven-round simulation, I look at a potential trade back in the first round.
This is how it goes.
Trade with Buccaneers
The first seven picks of this mock draft are quarterbacks and defensive players, meaning every offensive lineman is on the board. I find a trade partner in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have the 14th pick. The Bucs give the Cardinals the 14th pick and their second-round pick in exchange for the eighth pick and the Cardinals’ seventh-round pick.
Tampa takes Iowa tackle Tristan Wirfs to help protect quarterback Tom Brady. It is a reasonable scenario if they want Wirfs.
Now the Cardinals still have six selections, but now have a second-round pick again.
Now for the Cardinals’ picks.
Round 1, pick 14: Alabama OT Jedrick Wills
It works out for the Cardinals that Wills is still on the board, a player connected to them with the eighth pick. Receivers CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs are off the board, so the Cardinals could go with Wills, receiver Jerry Jeudy or a defensive player.
Wills makes sense. He should be the starting right tackle as a rookie and should be a significant upgrade over Justin Murray.
Round 2, pick 13: Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor
Taylor is somehow on the board, making him an obvious pick. Kenyan Drake is under contract for only one year. Taylor has the size for the NFL, he has top-end speed and had big-time production for a big-time program. Drake and Taylor would give the Cardinals a truly dynamic one-two punch.
Round 3, pick 8: Ohio State DL DaVon Hamilton
Hamilton gives the Cardinals a sure run stopper with some upside as a pass rusher. He has size and athleticism and did well in the Senior Bowl. He had six sacks in 2019 but probably would have had more if it hadn’t been for his teammate Chase Young.
Round 4, pick 8: California LB Evan Weaver
The Cardinals have been in contact with Weaver. He is a tradition linebacker and had massive production for the Golden Bears. He had a combined 236 tackles in 2018-2019 with a combined seven sacks and 20 tackles for loss. He isn’t a speedy sideline-to-sideline player but is more athletic than expected and is the type of player you want on a team.
Round 4, pick 25: Texas WR Devin Duvernay
The Cardinals pick up some speed at receiver. He is someone who could potentially replace Damiere Byrd. He has big-time speed and has some connections to the Cardinals. Quarterback Kyler Murray is his cousin and his agent also represents Murray and Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingbury.
And production? He had 106 receptions for 1,386 yards and nine touchdowns in 2019.
Round 6, pick 23: Minnesota CB Chris Williamson
We learned recently the Cardinals have interest in Williamson. He has the length and build to be an NFL cornerback but is lesser known because he didn’t get invited to the combine. He did perform well at the Shrine Game.
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