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NFL Draft Grades: Cardinals Select Zaven Collins and Rondale Moore

By Damian Parson

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 20: Rondale Moore #4 of the Purdue Boilermakers avoids a tackle by MJ Anderson #3 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the third quarter of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on November 20, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Boilermakers 34-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 20: Rondale Moore #4 of the Purdue Boilermakers avoids a tackle by MJ Anderson #3 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the third quarter of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on November 20, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Boilermakers 34-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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General Manager Steve Keim entered the NFL draft with the desire to add speed and athleticism to both sides of the ball. Spending their first and second-round picks on Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins and Purdue wideout Rondale Moore.

First-round, Pick 16

Zaven Collins is a hybrid edge and off-ball linebacker. His versatility combined with rare athleticism for a player of his stature and size. Collins could fill the void at outside linebacker left from the departure of Haasan Reddick. At 6 foot 5 and 260 pounds, Collins offers the range to make plays all over the field.

He could align inside as an off-ball backer alongside 2020 first-round pick Isaiah Simmons. This would create an athletically dynamic tandem in between the hashes for offenses to gameplan for. Versatility and matching up with the talented offenses in the NFC West will be crucial for the Arizona Cardinals’ success.

Cornerback Greg Newsome was available at 16 and would have filled a bigger need in a secondary that is being retooled. It is possible that Collins could have been drafted later if the team traded back.

NFL draft grade: B+

Second-round, Pick 49

Rondale Moore was a surprise selection the dynamic Boilermaker receiver is a welcomed addition to this offense. Moore is a versatile playmaker with the ball in his hands. Head coach Kingsbury will find multiple ways to deploy the explosive wideout.

Moore can align in the backfield, slot, bunch, and stacked sets. This offense lacked reliable playmakers for Kyler Murray last season. This will not be an issue heading into the 2021 season. Also, Moore will provide an explosive downfield threat. A role Andy Isabella did not take ahold of.

3 ways Collins improves the Cardinals. dark. Next

There are a few more areas on this roster that requires attention on day three. The first two rounds showcased the need to add speed and athleticism. This goal was a success and helps further their pursuit to the postseason.

NFL Draft Grade: A

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