The Arizona Cardinals came away with six players in the NFL draft over the weekend. They have largely been praised for the players they selected.
However, one can criticize all the decisions they made in the draft.
Let’s go over what there is to like and what there is not to like about each pick.
Isaiah Simmons
What to like about the pick
Simmons was obviously one of the draft’s most talented and dynamic players. His combination of leadership, production, size, length, speed and explosiveness is rare. His ability to cover at his size could be a game-changer for the Cardinals defense, giving them the ability to cover up flaws and weaknesses of other players. He can rush off the edge, cover in space, blitz, tackle and basically everything.
What not to like about the pick
There isn’t so much concern with the player. However, the Cardinals did draft a player who doesn’t have a place to start right now. It will be up to Vance Joseph to utilize him in a way that allows him to show off his versatility.
Also, the Cardinals potentially miss out on a top tackle prospect. There also might have been the opportunity to trade down, select receiver CeeDee Lamb and pick up a second-round pick. Would the combination of someone like Lamb and someone in the second round have a bigger impact than Simmons alone? That is the question that needs to be answered.
Josh Jones
What to like about the pick
Jones appears to be a steal in the third round. I personally had him being selected in the first round and many others did as well. The Cardinals land a tackle who has done a lot in pass protection in a similar style of offense and they don’t use a premium pick in the draft.
What not to like
It doesn’t appear likely, at least initially, that he will start in 2020, so the offensive line will not be upgraded. There is the question as to whether he can play right tackle. He only played left tackle in college. While it is believed he can make the switch, we also saw D.J. Humphries struggle on the right side.
Leki Fotu
What to like about the pick
You know what you get from Fotu. He is big. He can move and he will eat up blockers and be stout in the running game. He was very good at Utah in college. He addresses an area of need.
What not to like
He doesn’t have much pass-rushing upside, although he says he believes he can do more than he has. There are also some durability concerns.
Rashard Lawrence
What to like
There is a lot to like about Lawrence. He is a leader. He was a three-year captain for a top program. He doesn’t do any one thing great but he appears to be someone you can plug in and get consistent play. He is athletic and has size and can play multiple positions on the line.
What not to like
In part, it could feel like a redundant pick, considering they took Fotu in the same round already. They could have added someone in the defensive secondary or a big receiver like Antonio Gandy-Golden.
Evan Weaver
What to like
If you want passion and physicality, you get that in spades from Weaver, His football intensity is always on. He was a captain. He was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. at minimum, he will be huge on special teams like Dennis Gardeck. He has incredible instincts.
What not to like
He is limited athletically and could have issues in coverage. That’s about it.
Eno Benjamin
What to like
First of all, he appears to be a value pick, projected to be a Day 2 pick by most. He is well-liked locally because of his time and production at Arizona State. He doesn’t really have any major flaws in his game, as he is productive as a runner, can catch the ball and also is a willing blocker.
What not to like
He had ball control issues last season. He can be undecisive as a runner. He will have to make an impact on special teams and, therefore, have to do more overall than what D.J. Foster can offer.
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