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Arizona Cardinals 7-round mock draft, Big Ten only edition

By Jonah Hovis

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 24: Ohio State fans celebrate in the fourth quarter after the Buckeyes added another touchdown as Michigan Wolverines fans watch at Ohio Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Michigan 62-39. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 24: Ohio State fans celebrate in the fourth quarter after the Buckeyes added another touchdown as Michigan Wolverines fans watch at Ohio Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Michigan 62-39. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE PARK, MD – NOVEMBER 25: Offensive lineman Connor McGovern #66 of the Penn State Nittany Lions signals from the line against the Maryland Terrapins defense in the second quarter at Capital One Field on November 25, 2017 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD – NOVEMBER 25: Offensive lineman Connor McGovern #66 of the Penn State Nittany Lions signals from the line against the Maryland Terrapins defense in the second quarter at Capital One Field on November 25, 2017 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

The offensive line is one of the biggest holes to fill in the draft. Although they added some talent in free agency, they could add some more. Cue Connor McGovern, a guy all NFL teams would like to get their hands on, as he the versatility to switch between all three positions on the interior line.

Starting his career at Penn State playing right guard then switching to center for his last season, McGovern found success at both positions. Measuring in at 6-foot-5 and 308-pounds, his frame is NFL ready and it shows on tape — he can pick up down blocks with ease and is a smart double-team blocker. His big frame makes him capable of picking up the bull rush, but it does hurt his mobility at times when speedy edge rusher’s switch inside.

What McGovern brings to the table is run-blocking. He is great creating gaps and making holes for his running backs. Per Pro Football Focus, the guard finished 15th in the class in run-block success rate with 92.4%. That mauling ability would be a blessing for David Johnson and Chase Edmonds.

The Big Ten is known for having some of the best offensive lineman prospects in the draft. McGovern is a guy who could go in the late third, but has had some bad games at Penn State. Getting beat off the jump by speed rusher is scary, and it limits where he’d play. However, he’d be great value for the Cardinals with the No. 103 overall pick.

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