Steve Keim needs to trades down in first round

Headed into this year’s draft, the Arizona Cardinals may need Steve Keim to trade down.

Earlier this year I wrote about how the Cardinals need Steve Keim to trade up. Today we’re exploring the opposite side of the argument for the sake of discussion. The team only has the 16th,49th, 80th, 144th and 208th picks in this year’s draft. Having only 5 picks thanks to part of the DeAndre Hopkins trade makes it even more critical that this has to be a home-run draft from Steve Keim to trade down.

Moving back 3-5 spots wouldn’t be a bad idea, as the team hasn’t committed (or shown any signs) to any certain prospect. I feel with the cap space that they have will steer them to acquire a veteran CB from free agency. Let’s face it: Caleb Farley isn’t falling that far, and Patrick Surtain may not either. I personally am not the biggest fan of Jaycee Horn or Kyle Pitts at 16.

So let’s trade back with the Las Vegas Raiders, or trade with the Chicago Bears who may want to grab a quarterback. Accumulate the draft capital that will help you have a better shot at finding great talent. Asante Samuel Jr. will most likely still be on the board in the 20’s, so having Steve Keim to trade down here will still allow the team to address the cornerback position.

Another possibility that isn’t too far-fetched is that the if Steve Keim trade down and select a running back (perhaps Travis Etienne), or even take an offensive lineman. That age old question will rear it’s head once again- Does a team draft for need, or best player available?

I am usually on the “draft for need” team, but this years’ prospects have me changing my usual stance. Whoever the best player Keim deems that to be, then we’ll have to go with it. Locking up a performer is what Keim needs in this very delicate year. If there is anything Keim has guaranteed us, it’s that the first round pick most of the time will be someone we weren’t expecting.