Mid-round draft possibilities for the Arizona Cardinals

Much has been made about which player the Arizona Cardinals covet in the first round but there are middle-round gems as well

Much of the NFL Draft talk the past few weeks for Arizona Cardinals’ fans, as well as other clubs, has been centered around the first round. Offensive standouts such as Mitch Trubisky, Mike Williams, Deshone Kizer, Corey Davis and Deshaun Watson have been discussed at nauseum. Defensive studs like Marshon Lattimore, Malik Hooker, Marlon Humphrey, Zach Cunningham and the now free-falling Reuben Foster have been considered as well.

But true Cardinals’ fans know how important middle-round selections are to the success of the organization. Steve Keim has done a fine job identifying talent in the middle portion of his drafts. David Johnson, Tyrann Mathieu, John Brown, J.J. Nelson and some other solid contributors have been found by Arizona’s GM.

The 2017 NFL Draft appears to be extremely deep in talent. So as important as the first-round choice will be, Keim could also have success later in the proceedings. The Cards have even been rewarded with an extra fifth-round compensatory pick , strengthening their odds of striking gold.

Quarterback Nathan Peterman fits the mid-round criteria. The University of Pittsburgh product could turn out to be this year’s Dak Prescott or Russell Wilson. His stock has been rising though, so he could be selected higher by the time the draft rolls around.

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The strong depth at the cornerback position is a godsend for Arizona, considering their strong need for one. Corners such as Cordrea Tankersley, Kevin King, Rasul Douglas and Brendan Langley are middle of the pack projections who could provide value. Early-round talent Sidney Jones’ recent Achilles injury may drop into the middle rounds.

A wide receiver could also be targeted next week, preferably one with size. Amara Darboh, Chris Godwin, Jehu Chesson, Josh Reynolds, Kenny Golladay, Chad Hansen and Ardrarius Stewart are all possibilities.

The departure of the Cards’ starting inside linebacker of the past two years, Kevin Minter, has created a need at the position. Keim brought in Karlos Dansby as a short-term band-aid, but his eventual replacement is needed. Mid-round reinforcements for the spot include Duke Riley, Kendell Beckwith, Alex Anzalone, Jayon Brown and Blair Brown.

The Cardinals lost depth at the guard position with the retirement of Evan Mathis and the free agent exit of Earl Watford. Evan Boehm was a mid-round pick (fourth round) last season who is currently the starter at right guard. Dorian Johnson, Nico Siragusa, Isaac Asiata, Danny Isidora, Pat Elflein and Ethan Police could replenish the position.

Arizona lost some youth at safety during free agency. Aging veterans Antoine Bethea and Tyvon Branch will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. Middle of the draft prospects include Marcus Maye, Justin Evans, Marcus Williams, Josh Jones and Xavier Woods.

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