Arizona Cardinals: Trading down in draft a possibility

While many draftniks have the Arizona Cardinals selecting Nick Bosa with the first-overall pick, a trade-down remains a possibility

Opinions on what the Arizona Cardinals should do with the first-overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft have varied. Ohio State edge-rusher Nick Bosa has been the most popular candidate, while Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams has also received votes. There is another option, however, that could also benefit the organization tremendously.

While Bosa and Williams would both be outstanding additions, the idea of a trade-down by the club should also be a consideration. Such a maneuver would allow the Cards to retain a relatively early opening-round selection, and also acquire additional picks and possibly veteran players as well. The prospects who’d be available for the franchise after moving down aren’t exactly chopped liver, either.

Kentucky’s Josh Allen is a prime example of a talented contributor that could be had if the Cardinals were to opt out of the top spot in the draft. While the edge rusher does not receive the acclaim that Bosa does, the 6’5, 230 pounder is a quality sack specialist in his own right. Allen tallied 88 tackles,17 sacks and an eye-popping 21.5 tackles for loss in 2018 for the Wildcats.

An excellent reason to consider trading down is that it could net Arizona a top-flight offensive tackle. Alabama’s Jonah Williams started all 29 contests he played in for the Crimson Tide, and was a unanimous All-American selection last year. The 6’5, 301 pounder could protect quarterback Josh Rosen‘s blindside for years to come if selected by the Redbirds.

There’s another projected first-round left tackle who the Cards could covet. Florida’s Jawaan Taylor played most of his collegiate career at right tackle, but did start on the left side as well. The 6’5, 328 pounder has the measurables and athletic ability to dominate at the next level, and could very well be the first tackle off the board on draft day.

Houston’s Ed Oliver would be a superb addition to the Cardinals’ defense. The defensive tackle racked up 192 tackles,13.5 sacks and an impressive 53 tackles for loss during his college career. Oliver was selected a First-Team All-American in all three of his campaigns with the Cougars.

One out-of-the-box name who could fill a need for Arizona is T.J. Hockenson. The University of Iowa tight end hauled in 73 passes for 1,080 yards and nine touchdowns in his two years with the Hawkeyes. Hockenson was the recipient of the John Mackey Award in 2018, an honor given to the top tight end in college football.

It’s plain to see that there are other avenues that the Cards could go down in late April. Holding the first pick in the draft is a beautiful thing. Exactly what the team will do with the selection will be the talk of the league for weeks to come.