Arizona Cardinals 2017 NFL Draft: RaisingZona Staff Projections
By Jeremy Meek
The Cardinals should be able to get a quality starter in round two in such a deep draft
Vance Meek – Chidobe Awuzie, CB: The Cardinals are still looking for a number two cornerback, and this draft is loaded at that spot. Awuzie has size and quickness to start early in his career and make a big difference in the secondary.
Jim Koch – Raekwon McMillan, LB: McMillan is the long-term replacement for the departed Kevin Minter after Karlos Dansby leaves. He’s a thumper at 6’2″, 243, with 100-plus tackles in each of the past two seasons.
Joseph Comeau – DeShone Kizer, QB: The Cardinals may have to trade up ahead of the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints to ensure they can get him, but DeShone Kizer is the kind of big-armed quarterback that Bruce Arians covets. He also needs at least a year of development, making Arizona an ideal landing spot for the quarterback from Notre Dame. The wait will surely induce anxiety among many fans, but the value here is probably better than anyone the Cardinals could have selected in the first round.
Isaiah Addair – Raekwon McMillan, LB: McMillan was a run-stopper at Ohio State. He could find himself in a similar position to Minter, waiting a second rounder that has to wait behind Dansby for a year. He and Minter also have a similar skill set. If Obi Melinfonwu or Zay Jones are available, Kevin could also choose one of those two players here.
Joseph Vasquez – Rasul Douglas, CB: Douglas is a great defender with good size. He’s a ball hawk and playmaker and could move into a starting spot quickly.