In the months leading up to the NFL Draft, most of the focus falls on the first round. Countless mock drafts surface predicting the first 32 selections.
The next six rounds often go unnoticed.
In a recent article, PFF analyst Mason Cameron listed the best fits for each team in rounds two and three.
Cameron's projection for the Arizona Cardinals could provide exactly what the team needs on the defensive front.
Tennessee defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott could be perfect for the Arizona Cardinals
Cameron lists Tennessee product Omar Norman-Lott as a potential fit for the Arizona Cardinals on day two of the draft. Norman-Lott was a productive defender at Tennessee, especially when rushing the passer.
At 6'2" and 291 pounds, Norman-Lott is slightly undersized for a defensive tackle. He makes up for his lack of size with an explosive first step and sound hand usage. He has surprising power for his size, often pushing the pocket and disrupting timing for opposing passers.
As Cameron says, "with an impressive 18.9% pass-rush win rate, the former Volunteer would instantly boost a Cardinals interior that ranked 28th in PFF pass-rush grade (54.3) last season."
While he was dominant as a pass rusher in college, Norman-Lott struggled to defend the run at times. Per PFF, his run stop rate of 6% barely meets the average mark for collegiate defenders.
In Arizona's defense, Norman-Lott would be allowed to grow into his potential as a run defender while providing immediate value rushing the passer. Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell are both sound run defenders who could teach Norman-Lott to become the same.
At Tennessee, Norman-Lott was part of a rotational defensive front that allowed each player to stay fresh. He could do the same in his early years as a Cardinal, rotating with Campbell, Tomlinson, Darius Robinson, Bilal Nichols, and Dante Stills. The Cardinals would have the defensive depth that they sorely lacked in 2024.
Norman-Lott currently ranks 52nd on ESPN's NFL Draft big board. The Cardinals would likely have to spend their second-round pick to bring the defensive star to Arizona.