It’s beginning to feel like draft season, and you know what that means right? You got it. Mock drafts.
As I type these words, the Arizona Cardinals are on the clock. With the first pick, they are expected to consider all their options available to them. Whether that be a trade, drafting one of Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams, Kyler Murray, or Josh Allen, all options are on the table.
The Cardinals need to hit on this draft to be successful in 2019; an obvious statement. Yes, their coaching staff in 2019 was a mess, but assuming their roster is as complete as the Rams, Chiefs, or Saints is… well, crazy.
However, the Cardinals roster is far from barren. Star players including Chandler Jones, David Johnson, Patrick Peterson, Larry Fitzgerald, and D.J. Swearinger figure to be key to a successful 2019. Meanwhile, Josh Rosen, Budda Baker, and Christian Kirk will look to take the next step towards the star status the previously mentioned players own.
With that being said, this mock draft will have an emphasis on adding some playmakers to Kingsbury’s air-raid offense, as well as surrounding Josh Rosen with a line suit to combat the pass rushers of the NFC West. On the other side of the ball, Vance Joseph will bring a 3-4 defense to the desert, so adding pass-rushers, inside linebackers, a nickel back, and possibly a nose tackle will be essential.
Remember, Steve Keim generally likes to have his draft be split in between when it comes to defense and offense and doesn’t mind taking calculated risks at talented players with a sketchy record (Tyrann Mathieu, Michael Floyd, Robert Nkemdiche) or developmental projects. With that being said, let’s get to mock drafting.