2021 Arizona Cardinals first round pick the most critical
Steve Keim had struck out more than he’s produced in the first round in his drafting career, but his recent drafts have started to change that.
Keim’s first round reputation isn’t the greatest, and it’s easy to see. Drafting guys like Jonathon Cooper, Michael Floyd, and Robert Nkemdiche aren’t even with the team anymore, on top of the issues that came with these picks. His choices have been on both sides of the spectrum- both safe and risky. He’ll have to find a solid one for the Arizona Cardinals first round pick this year.
There cannot be any “experimentation plan” with this first round pick. Point and case, see Deone Bucannon’s middle linebacker days. Nothing like an undersized safety to plug the “A” gap, right? Character traits for this selection must be that of a solid person on and off the field. The way I see it, this may be Keim’s last draft and time with the organization after getting in as a scout and working his way up. Haason Reddick, Kyler Murray and Isaiah Simmons have this team trending upward.
Debate the position of need as you will. The Arizona Cardinals first round pick needs are depth at the receiver position, a starter at cornerback, and maybe even an interior offensive lineman. You could make the argument that they should target an offensive lineman in the first round, seeing how exponentially the offenses of the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts took off in the last few years of the 2010’s.
If the Arizona Cardinals first round pick is a cornerback, it would be the same exact spot they took Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie with the 16th overall pick. He didn’t turn out too bad (besides Super Bowl XLIII) and helped the team clinch the NFC West back in 2008. On the other hand, Keim has never drafted any solid receiver so far. A young weapon that Murray can trust will be huge in his development.
Next. Josh Jones needs more playing time. dark
May the odds ever be in the Cardinals’ favor headed into the draft.