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Hits or Misses? Grading the 2021 Arizona Cardinals draft class

By Sion Fawkes

TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane celebrates after intercepting Noah Johnson #0 of the South Florida Bulls and running in a 38-yard touchdown during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane celebrates after intercepting Noah Johnson #0 of the South Florida Bulls and running in a 38-yard touchdown during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 19: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide pulls in this touchdown reception against Marco Wilson #3 of the Florida Gators during the second half of the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 19: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide pulls in this touchdown reception against Marco Wilson #3 of the Florida Gators during the second half of the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Marco Wilson, CB/Florida

A decent pickup for need, the Cardinals snagged Wilson with the 31st pick in the fourth round. However, with prospects Shaun Wade and Keith Taylor on the board, this was a reach. Wilson is also best suited for the slot, as opposed to lining up on the outside.

So this is one of those draft picks with a bit of upside in terms of need. But it has a lot of downside given Wilson’s spotty production and potential inability to become an outside corner. Of course, we said the same about Byron Murphy, and he has held up well when asked to play on the outside at times.

The Cardinals best bet is to keep Robert Alford, and let Wilson sit behind him for at least a season. Sure, a fourth-round pick is often a gamble regardless, so perhaps Wilson can evolve into a solid contributor a year or two from today.

Grade – C: Wilson made sense position-wise. Unfortunately, there were better corners on the board and Wilson’s biggest strength is in the slot. Something the Cardinals have with Murphy.

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