Cardinals draft preview
News 11 Sports projects Arizona's 8th overall pick.
The Arizona Cardinals are on the cusp of entering their 2nd NFL Draft in the Kliff Kingsbury era.
After taking Kyler Murray with the 1st overall pick in last year's draft, the Red Birds made modest gains in the 2019 season, going 5-10-1 overall and winning 2 of their final 3 games on their schedule.
Over the last month, the Cards signed a trio of defenders to solidify the front 7.
On top of that, they made an aggressive trade move, in acquiring Houston star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and a 4th round pick for running back David Johnson and a 2nd round pick.
Despite these moves, the Red Birds have pressing needs on the offensive and defensive lines; as well as the wide receiver position, even with the addition of Hopkins.
Right now barring any trades, the Cards own the 8th overall pick and 5 others for the rest of the rounds; with no picks in the 2nd.
If the Cards select somebody with the 8th pick, which direction do they go?
If they go for a defensive lineman, Auburn's Derrick Brown would be a huge get for the Cardinals.
He is a proven pass rusher for an interior lineman, but will likely not last to the 8th selection.
The Cards could draft a top tier wide receiver in a class of wide-outs that's super deep and talented; possibly picking up the likes of Oklahoma's CeeDee Lamb or Alabama's Henry Ruggs III.
But, what seems most logical is going for a highly talented trench monster on the offensive line.
Guys like Jedrick Wills out of Alabama, Mekhi Becton from Louisville, Tristan Wirfs out of Iowa, or Georgia's Andrew Thomas would all be potential top 15 1st rounders that could make almost immediate impacts in the trenches.
But, depending on what the New York Giants decide to do, with their pick at number 4, could factor greatly on how the Cardinals make their 1st selection.
Because the Cards were one of the worst teams in the league at allowing quarterback sacks, and they have their franchise player behind center they are putting a priority to keeping as healthy as possibly; it only seems to make sense that they will select an offensive lineman early.
The best one available in the 8th spot could be Iowa's Wirfs, who might be the most athletically gifted offensive tackle in the draft.
It would be difficult for the Cardinals to pass up on Wirfs, who can do a lot to help protect Murray and give him more time to find targets such as Hopkins, future hall of famer Larry Fitzgerald or Christian Kirk.
The current wide receiver group in the draft is so deep, the Cards can likely afford to take another selection in the 3rd or 4th rounds.
