Arizona Cardinals 2018 re-draft
By Avery Duncan
Round 3, pick 97
Original selection: C Mason Cole
Re-draft selection: DL Da’Shawn Hand
The first altered selection in the re-draft doesn’t come as a way to bash original selection Mason Cole, who I believe could be a fine center in the NFL, rather it’s to praise Da’Shawn Hand.
While the offensive line needs work, the defensive line does too. At this point of the draft, there are very few starter quality offensive linemen available so instead, let’s add a guy that can completely turn around the Cardinals’ defensive line.
After coming off a disappointing final year at Alabama, Hand’s stock fell despite having the physical acumen to be a standout player in the NFL. The Detroit Lions were the beneficiary of his fall as they drafted Pro Football Focus‘ 13th best interior defensive linemen (87.3 grade) in the fourth round.
Per PFF, in 13 games during Hand’s rookie season, the defender 25 quarterback pressures and 18 defensive run-stops, he also didn’t miss one tackle. After a season in which the Cardinals defensive line was often described as anemic, the Redbirds could certainly benefit from the productive 23-year-old.