Arizona Cardinals 2017 NFL Draft: RaisingZona Staff Projections
By Jeremy Meek
The Cardinals need an impact player with their first pick in this draft
Vance Meek, Co-editor – Haason Reddick, LB: Sure, a cornerback or a receiver would make sense here. However, they also have huge questions at linebacker. Kevin Minter is gone, and Karlos Dansby is a gamble at his age. Reddick is an athletic freak who could add a new dimension to the defense.
Jim Koch, Contributor – Marlon Humphrey, CB: Arizona addresses it’s biggest need with a blue-chip prospect. Humphrey offers both size (6’1″, 197) and speed, and assumes the number-two corner spot from day one.
Joseph Comeau, Contributor – Reuben Foster, LB: Teams typically reach for signal callers – especially in the first round. Despite the pressure to find Carson Palmer’s heir apparent, I think the Cardinals’ brass will stick to their board, and resist the temptation to take a quarterback in the first round. Instead, I could see the Cardinals selecting inside linebacker Reuben Foster as their defensive quarterback. Foster has Pro-Bowl talent, and would be a tone-setter on the defensive side of the ball.
Isaiah Addair, Contributor – Patrick Mahomes, QB: Mahomes has the arm talent and strength to excel in Coach Arians’ offense. He will have a year to learn the pro-style offense behind Palmer, and the Cardinals will be set at QB for years to come. He has experience having to extend plays with his legs, something the Cards haven’t had in quite awhile.
Joseph Vasquez, Contributor – Deshaun Watson, QB: Watson is a great talent and natural leader. He has all the qualities to be a starting QB in the NFL. If he is available, it’s a no brainer.