Arizona Cardinals Draft Profile: Dee Ford

Dec 7, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback James Franklin (1) is taken down by Auburn Tigers defensive end Dee Ford (30) during the fourth quarter of the 2013 SEC Championship game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Looking ahead to the NFL draft next week, one of the names that comes up a lot in mock drafts for the Arizona Cardinals is Auburn defensive end Dee Ford.  The defensive end position is a need for the Cardinals.  Will he be available for the Cards at number 20?  We will find out on Thursday evening.  Draft time is 5pm Arizona time.

Ford is one of the top five defensive ends to be available for the 2014 draft.  Some have him ranked as the first or second defensive end.  I’ve seen Ford go as high as number five in mock drafts and as low as bottom half of the round somewhere near 27 with the New Orleans Saints.  Ford has a lot of strength and is explosive off the line.

The big knock is his size which could precipitate a move to outside linebacker in the NFL.  I do not know if that would be a plan of the Cards should they draft him.  That is also a position of need for them.  His good balance and toughness though will get him a big payday.  I’m just not sure the Cards are ready to draft a player like Ford.

Probability from one to 10, with ten being the highest that the Cards take Ford is a 6 in my opinion.  It certainly could happen but personally I believe the Cards are better served elsewhere.