The biggest offseason event for the NFL is just a couple hours away. Fans are getting ready to sit tight and see who their favorite teams will select while general managers are getting ready to make their final decisions on whether or not they will stay at their current pick or make a move. Don’t be surprised if there are a good amount of trades in the first round alone, but nothing is guaranteed until it happens.
As of now, the Arizona Cardinals are set to pick twice in tonight’s draft at the 4th and 27th spots. Will they trade out? Will they trade up? Anything can happen on Monti Ossenfort’s watch, but Cardinals fans should not expect any moves until atleast the clock starts for Arizona.
In this final four-round mock draft, no trades were made as the Cardinals managed to get good value at their various picks in the four rounds.
Here is the final 4-round mock draft for the Cardinals heading into Round 1.
Round 1, #4: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR - Ohio State
There is no need to overthink this pick. Unless some team is willing to offer three first-round picks (which even then might not be enough), the Cardinals need to acquire the best playmaker in the draft at a key position in the offense. After having a successful college career, Harrison would walk into a situation where he would have a franchise quarterback in Kyler Murray.
Round 1, #27: Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton, DL - Illinois
Newton has shown that he can be great in the middle of the trenches both against the pass and run. He was named the Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year last season and led Illinois with 7.5 sacks. The Cardinals have already boosted up their defensive line with Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones through free agency, but it would be hard to pass on Newton should he fall into Arizona’s lap late in the first round.
Round 2, #35: Graham Barton, OL - Duke
If this were to happen where Graham Barton falls into the second round (which could easily happen), the Cardinals should look to boost up their offensive line. Barton has experience playing inside and at offensive tackle. The Cardinals picked Paris Johnson Jr. last year to bring stability to protect Kyler Murray. Getting a player like Barton in the second round would allow the Cardinals to develop him and even become a starter sooner than later. With signing Jonah Williams this offseason, Barton can compete with Williams or one of the two could have the chance to move inside to protect Murray on the inside.
Round 3, #66: Trey Benson, RB - Florida State
This running back class is not the strongest, but it is important for the Cardinals to still address the position for the future. James Conner is heading into the final year of his contract in Arizona and the Cardinals signed running back DeeJay Dallas but will more than likely play on special teams. Trey Benson is coming off of back-to-back 900+ rushing yard seasons along with a career high 14 rushing touchdowns in his last season at Florida State.
Having a running back duo of Conner and Benso provides versatility and opens up the playbook for Drew Petzing and the offense.
Round 3, #71: Cole Bishop, S - Utah
Led by Jalen Thompson and Budda Baker, the Cardinals back end of their defense is set for atleast this upcoming season. However, Baker may not be in Arizona this time next year. Unless the Cardinals find a way to bring Baker back to the team, Monti Ossenfort also needs to consider drafting Baker’s potential future replacement. Cole Bishop provides a physical play type of style where he is not afraid to hit and can help cover tight ends against the pass. He plays to the whistle and keeps his head on swivel.
Round 3, #90: Brandon Dorlus, DE - Oregon
Leading the Oregon Ducks with 5 sacks last season and earning First-team All-Pac 12 Conference honors, Brandon Dorlus is an intriguing prospect who can help create a pass rush that the Cardinals need to boost. He can play inside or out, but his game still needs some work. Arizona can never have too many pass rushers, especially when going up against teams in the NFC West.
Round 4, #104: Khyree Jackson, CB - Oregon
The Cardinals end up taking Dorlus’ college teammates in cornerback Khyree Jackson. Standing at 6’4”, Jackson provides size in the secondary. Along with Dorlus, Jackson was named to First-team All-Pac 12 Conference honors. With the Ducks last season, Jackson had 3 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, 2 sacks and 34 tackles. Arizona could get a steal here if Jackson falls into the fourth round and it would be on the side of the ball that Jonathan Gannon knows the most about.