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Arizona Cardinals: Mock Draft 2.0

By Isaiah Addair

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Robert Nkemdiche (Mississippi) after being selected by the Arizona Cardinals as the number twenty-nine overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Robert Nkemdiche (Mississippi) after being selected by the Arizona Cardinals as the number twenty-nine overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) breaks up the pass to South Florida Bulls wide receiver Ryeshene Bronson (81) during the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) breaks up the pass to South Florida Bulls wide receiver Ryeshene Bronson (81) during the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

This pick may be a stretch as it would include the Cardinals trading both second round picks (original plus one from the Round One trade) and the fall of Melinfonwu into the second round, or the Cardinals would have to send a load of picks, including some of next season’s (possible because of compensatory picks) to get back into the first round to draft the UCONN safety.

Obi Melinfonwu is a talented playmaker that has the potential to play a hybrid role in the defense, a role that front office and coaching staff have fallen in love with. His combination of size (6’4″, 224lbs) and athleticism would make him a valuable asset to a team now missing Swearinger, Jefferson, and Minter.

Melinfonwu was clocked at 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash, recorded a 44″ vertical and 11’8″ broad jump, and he also put up 17 reps of 225 on the bench press. This athleticism and his versatility would allow him to play safety, linebacker, and possibly corner.

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