Second-round cornerback options for the Arizona Cardinals
By Jim Koch
Just a couple of weeks from now, the Arizona Cardinals will finally reveal their plans for the 2021 NFL Draft. One area of the roster that will almost certainly be addressed by general manager Steve Keim is the cornerback position. There’s strong belief that the Cards will go searching for the next Patrick Peterson when the three-day event rolls around on April 29th.
While a healthy amount of draftniks feel that Arizona will use the 16th-overall selection on a cover guy, it’s also entirely possible that Keim will wait until the second round to fill that void. It just so happens that there are a group of talented corners who could very well be available for the Cardinals on the second night of the draft.
One cornerback who could still be on the board at pick #49 is Northwestern University’s Greg Newsome II. In 17 career games for the Wildcats, the 6’1,190 pounder totaled 71 tackles, an interception and 20 passes defensed. Newsome II was voted First-team All-Big Ten as a junior in 2020.
Another cover guy who could warrant consideration from the Cards during round two is the University of Central Florida’s Aaron Robinson. The 6’1,193 pounder made 30 collegiate appearances, and was credited with 103 tackles, a pick and 16 pass breakups. Robinson played at the University of Alabama for one season before transferring to Central Florida just prior to his sophomore campaign.
The University of Georgia’s Eric Stokes could be another possibility for the Arizona secondary. In 31 career contests, the 6’1,185 pound Stokes racked up 78 tackles, four interceptions and 22 passes defensed for the Bulldogs. Stokes was voted First-team All-SEC last fall, and Second-team All-SEC in 2019.
Next. Keim probably won't pick your guy. dark
One more possible option for the Cardinals could be the University of Washington’s Elijah Molden. In his four seasons with the Huskies, the 5’10,190 pounder registered 153 tackles, five picks and 19 pass breakups during the 36 matchups he suited up for. Molden was a First-team All-PAC 12 performer in both 2019 and 2020, and a Second-team All-PAC 12 nominee in 2018.