NFL Draft: Latest 2021 Arizona Cardinals Mock Draft
The NFL draft is two months away and the Arizona Cardinals are entering a pivotal off-season. This roster has voids to fill. After finishing 8-8 for the 2020 season, this team is not far from establishing itself as a playoff contender.
This off-season could be themed “New Beginnings” as a pair of long-tenured Cardinals are primed to play elsewhere or retire. Larry Fitzgerald is an unrestricted free agent along with Patrick Peterson, Kenyan Drake, Hasaan Reddick, De’Vondre Campbell, and Corey Peters. The draft will be pivotal to replace or fill the voids that are left.
A few minor tweaks and additions could catapult the Cardinals back into the playoffs for the first time since 2015. Kliff Kingsbury and General Manager Steve Keim enter the draft with only five selections to add impact players. Meaning, there is less room for error in April.
Areas of need, offensive line, running back, cornerback, receiver, and pass rusher. It is time to maximize Kyler Murray’s team-friendly rookie contract.
Round One
Cornerback. JayceeHorn. Pick Analysis. South Carolina. 16. player. 32. College Statistics
The potential departure of All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson seems to be inevitable per reports from Matt Verderame on February 8th, 2021. This would present a sizable void in the Cardinals secondary for 2021.
Look no further than South Carolina Gamecock, Jaycee Horn. Son of former New Orleans Saints’ wide receiver Joe Horn. Jaycee Horn is listed at six foot one and 200 pounds. Jaycee Horn plays with a swagger and level of physicality that would be a welcomed addition to the Cardinals defense.
He excels in press-man coverage by using his long limbs to disrupt the timing between the receiver and quarterback. His size allows him the ability to match-up well with bigger framed receivers. The NFC West has their share of talented receivers, Horn could help soften the blow of Peterson’s departure and offer the Cardinals a number one corner for years to come.