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The Arizona Cardinals Mock Draft

By Johnathan Henson

Oct 25, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Cody Core (88) reaches for the end zone as he score a touchdown in front of LSU Tigers defensive back Rashard Robinson (21) in the first quarter at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Cody Core (88) reaches for the end zone as he score a touchdown in front of LSU Tigers defensive back Rashard Robinson (21) in the first quarter at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2014; Atlanta , GA, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Kolby Listenbee (7) catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Mississippi Rebels defensive back Trae Elston (7) and LaKedrick King (28) during the third quarter in the 2014 Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

4th Round (102nd Overall Selection from San Diego Chargers)
Trae Elston – SS
Ole Miss – Senior
5-11, 195 Pounds
70 tackles, 4 interceptions, 2 touchdowns, 14 pass deflections

This is the first time I’ve been confused in the Steve Keim era, but honestly, it’s okay fans, if Steve Keim is anything, it’s lightyears ahead of us all. If the Cardinals are anything during the draft, it’s unpredictable, as a fan, I enjoy seeing the confusing looks on the fans face when a player is called. When Deone Bucannon was selected, everyone thought it should have been Teddy Bridgewater, I didn’t freak out, I just thought “got to look to see who this kid is”. Like Bucannon, Trae Elston is a proven player with a great track record, just hasn’t had as much publicity. He is a beast, really, he plays like a freak track athlete with head-hunting abilities.

Trae Elston is a tremendous athlete, plays with a 4.47 speed, lays enough iron into your chest, and makes unreal tackles. I know that Tony Jefferson is still on the roster, remember that he is on a one year deal and could be swepted up before the draft. You can’t believe that the Cardinals will get Jefferson back next offseason, not after the Cardinals tendered him so low. Either the Cardinals really believe in Tyvon Branch and D.J. Swearinger (D.J. will be a free agent next offseason also), or the Cardinals plan on drafting an eventual replacement. The first thing that the Cardinals need to keep in mind, Jefferson has always been a solid player for the Cardinals. Tony is a wrap-up tackler, great field vision, and a possible man-to-man option for the slot. The Cardinals need more speed in the back-end, Trae Elston is exactly that, and I would be ecstatic if this was the selection.

Optimism says the Cardinals will be able to develop a lot of players if they choose to do so, meaning they won’t have to throw too many young players to the fire. Special teams work, that is relatively what I’m talking about, and it shouldn’t be surprising that’s where most players end up being. Trae Elston is a special player, don’t get me wrong, but he needs a stable of players ahead of him, so he can learn. We can all play the what if game, but nothing is better then premium potential like Elston.

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