Mock Draft: Helping out the Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals had a dismal season in 2018 to say the least. They thought they drafted their franchise quarterback in Josh Rosen who was very disappointing throughout the year and now it appears he wont be a Cardinal very much longer.

But there is hope Cardinal fans, Arizona has the number one pick in the 2019 NFL Draft which as we saw with the Browns last year, can help turn a franchise around in a hurry. I decided to use Fanspeak's NFL Draft Game to go through the draft and help turn around the Cardinals. So without further ado, lets do this!



Rd. 1 #1 overall: Kyler Murray QB, Oklahoma 

A no brainer pick here for Arizona. Just about any mock draft you check out has Murray to the Cardinals with the first pick. Last years Heisman Trophy winner, Murray had a stellar 2018 season with the Sooners, throwing for 42 touchdowns and only 7 interception. He also carried a Sooner team with a pretty bad defense all the way to the College Football Playoff, where they eventually lost to Alabama. Against a very good Alabama defense, he threw for 308 yards and 2 touchdowns as well as having over 100 rushing yards and another score on the ground. He is the quarterback they've always wanted out in the desert and barring anything strange happening in the next month, he should be the first pick.

Rd. 2 #33 overall: Jeffrey Simmons DL, Mississippi State

 This was an interesting pick for me and a high risk high reward one for the Cardinals. Simmons was widely regarded as a top ten talent in this year's draft before tearing his ACL in February while doing positional drills. We've seen similar situations with players like Jaylon Smith and his knee injury. As well as Maurice Hurst and his heart condition in last year's draft. All elite level prospects that were hampered by pre-draft injuries which plummeted them down draft boards. If Simmons can bounce back like Smith and Hurst both did, Arizona has landed themselves an absolute steal in the second round.

Rd. 3 #65 overall: Chase Winovich EDGE, Michigan

Next round I decided now was the time to go after a pass rusher and Chase Winovich is just that. As of writing this, I'm not sure if Arizona will continue with a 4-3 defensive front like last year, or if they will change it up again to a 3-4. Either way Winovich's role will be a pass rusher and could learn a whole lot from newly signed Terrell Suggs. Winovich is relentless in his play, never taking a play off and always playing with a chip on his shoulder.

Rd. 4 #103 overall: Bobby Evans OT, Oklahoma

Cardinals need some help on the line and will need to keep Kyler Murray upright in the pocket and who else to do that then to grab his teammate from Oklahoma. Evans started 14 games last year at the Right Tackle position and could improve a Cardinals o-line that gave up 52 sacks last season (ties for 5th most in the league).

Rd. 5 #139 overall: Lil'Jordan Humphrey WR, Texas

This might be my favorite pick in the entire draft. Just watching his highlight film he seems like a perfect WR to grow and play with Kyler Murray. Humphrey is a big-bodied player that specializes in the possession receiver-type role. Lil'Jordan has to focus on bulking up and adding muscle to his large body frame. And who better to learn from then future hall of famer Larry Fitzgerald. I believe Humphrey can be nightmare in the slot and can quickly become Murray's favorite target.

Rd. 6 #174 overall: Mike Jackson CB, Miami

Mike Jackson was a key member to one of the nation's top secondaries. Received All ACC Honorable Mention recognition, He started all 13 games for the Canes and totaled 42 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He has the size and length to be an attractive cover 2 corner but I would prefer he move to safety and just be a hard hitting safety. Link to NFL Draft Profile

Rd. 6 #179 overall: Marvell Tell III S, USC

I decided to go best player available with this pick and I believe I landed a pretty good cover safety in Tell III. Especially if they do end up moving Mike Jackson to a more physical strong safety type role. Tell could play off of him nicely in a free safety role.

Rd. 7 #248 overall: Alize Mack TE, Notre Dame

At this point in the draft, all teams are picking lottery ticket type guys and hoping that they get lucky. Mack has shown some potential in the passing game but not enough to get him out of the 7th round. could become a solid and cheap backup option for Ricky Seals-Jones or Charles Clay.

Rd. 7 #249 overall: Anthony Ratliff-Williams WR, UNC

Ratliff-Williams will be a project for whatever team drafts him. He's got the athletic ability to play in the NFL but he has a lot of learning to do when it comes to tracking the ball and timing. He's a great kick and punt return option early in his career to help him learn some of those traits.

Rd. 7 #254 overall: Gerri Green LB, Mississippi State 

Green  has bounced around from Edge Linebacker to Defensive End throughout his time with the Bulldogs but NFL teams will probably see him as more of a pass rushing specialist. Another project type player that could end up on the practice squad while he bulks up and learns the position a little better.