Because the Arizona Cardinals are in the thick of the playoff race, there has been little talk about the 2022 NFL draft. However, ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay released a mock draft this week and it is time to at least take a peek at the prospects for next year.
The Cardinals have the 30th pick and with it, McShay projects right now they take Florida cornerback Kaair Elam.
Robert Alford might not be back, and Byron Murphy Jr. had been more of a slot cornerback before this season. Elam’s track speed and high-level instincts would boost that cornerback group out of the gate. Plus, he is scheme versatile and brings on-ball production, with 19 pass breakups and six interceptions over three seasons.
Elam is long and lanky at 6-2, 196. Adding him would pair him with his former teammate, Marco Wilson. a rookie this season after being drafted by Arizona in the fourth round.
Taking a cornerback early is a no-brainer if the talent, physical traits and toughness are a match. At the end of the first round, that player probably won’t be a slam dunk but it is a good position to target.
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