Perfect Picks: Arizona Cardinals

With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.

We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper. 

Round 1 - Jermaine Johnson, Edge, Florida State

Whether Chandler Jones hits the open market or not the Arizona Cardinals need to boost their pass-rushing options. Jermaine Johnson caused quite the stir at the Senior Bowl and is considered a round 1 prospect. The Georgia transfer has the ideal length and traits that NFL teams look for, stepping up when given a leading role at Florida State. His 14 sacks show the disruption he can cause off the edge.

Round 2 - Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

The Cardinals could lose experienced Robert Alford in free agency so adding further depth at cornerback would make sense. Size doesn’t appear to be something they worry too greatly about. Budda Baker was generally considered undersized when they took him so Roger McCreary appears a good fit. Some teams will worry about his short arms but he was excellent at Auburn and is an early-round pick off tape alone.

Mid Round Gem - Blaise Andries, iOL, Arizona State

Photo Credit: twincities.com

Versatility is a key consideration when looking at day 3 offensive linemen. Blaise Andries has that in spades. He played both tackle and guard, even during the same game. His physicality in the run game is a major plus. At times, he was undone with speed off the edge, meaning his final resting place will likely be at guard. His acquisition would certainly bolster the Cardinals options at that position.

Late Round Sleeper - Tay Martin, WR, Oklahoma State

Things clicked for Tay Martin at Oklahoma State. Having started his career at Washington State it was in his final year as a Cowboy where he made the most impact. He was the Big-12’s leading receiver with 1,046 yards at an average of 14 yards per catch. He has great size and showed excellent polish at the Shrine Bowl practices. The Cardinals have a few question marks at receiver, with AJ Green potentially out and Christian Kirk a question mark. Martin has plenty of upside to eventually crack the lineup.

Draft In Full:

23. Jermaine Johnson, Edge, Florida State

55. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

87. Erik Ezukanma, WR,  Texas Tech

200. Eric Johnson, DT, Missouri State

216. Blaise Andries, iOL, Minnesota

242. Trestan Ebner, RB, Baylor

257. Austin Allen, TE, Nebraska

259. Tay Martin, WR, Oklahoma State

Mock Draft

Rory-Joe Daniels

Cfb contributor

formerly writing for the inside zone, rory will be breaking down college tape and keeping you up-to-date with all things CFB for the touchdown. an avid bengals fan, you can also find some of rory’s work at stripehype.com.

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