Arizona Cardinals 2017 NFL Draft: RaisingZona Staff Projections
By Jeremy Meek
If a team can get a starter out of a seventh round pick, they had a great draft
Vance Meek – Chad Kelly, QB: If the Cardinals miss out on the early round quarterbacks, they could take a flyer on the strong-armed Kelly. He has concerns, both on the field, and off it, but his raw tools are undeniable.
Jim Koch – Dallas Lloyd, S: A “big” safety (6’4″, 215) who would be most effective playing up near the line of scrimmage. The former quarterback could eventually even follow Deone Bucannon’s footsteps and play some linebacker.
More from Raising Zona
- Arizona Cardinals: Could Eric Bieniemy come to the desert?
- Would Jonathan Gannon be a good fit for the Arizona Cardinals?
- Arizona Cardinals: Budda Baker right in his take regarding the next coach
- Arizona Cardinals: 3 reasons new coach should want to work with Murray
- Arizona Cardinals special teams could be completely revamped in 2023
Joseph Comeau – Tarik Cohen, RB: With Andre Ellington moving to wide receiver, the Cardinals’ running back depth chart consists of David Johnson, Kerwynn Williams, and Elijhaa Penny. There is a need for at least one more running back on the roster, and the team will likely bring in a few undrafted rookies to compete in training camp. Running back Tarik Cohen is reminiscent of a Darren Sproles third down back, and could be a nice complement to star David Johnson.
Isaiah Addair – Cole Mazza, LS: Call me crazy, but the Cards still need a long snapper desperately. An unreliable player at this position can cost a team games, and it did for Arizona in 2016. I think the Cardinals snatch up Mazza during round seven so no one picks him up before them post-draft.
Joseph Vasquez – Tanzel Smart, DL: Smart has quick feet and is explosive wish allows him to fill gaps and stop the run or rush the quarterback.