The Arizona Cardinals have been aggressive this offseason, signing J.J. Watt and A.J. Green while trading for Rodney Hudson. However, the Cardinals still have several holes on the roster to fill in the draft. With only selections picks, including two in the top 150, the Cardinals will need to hit on all of their picks this year. The 2021 NFL Draft is deep at cornerback and offensive line, the Cardinals’ top two needs. Let’s see if they can fill their holes in this mock draft.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 1, Pick 16: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
Last season, Kyler Murray got off to an excellent start. However, he struggled in the latter half of the season after suffering an injury. The Cardinals added two offensive linemen in the offseason, trading for Hudson and signing Brian Winters. Furthermore, they re-signed Kelvin Beachum after he played well at right tackle last season. Meanwhile, during his time at USC, Vera-Tucker started at left tackle and left guard. His ability to play multiple positions will allow the Cardinals to get the five best offensive linemen on the field. With Murray heading into year three, the Cardinals have finally started to put together a good offensive line. Adding Vera-Tucker would give them arguably the best offensive line in the division.
For more on Vera-Tucker, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 2, Pick 49: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
After 10 seasons in Arizona, Patrick Peterson signed with the Minnesota Vikings last month. While the Cardinals re-signed Robert Alford and added Malcolm Butler, both are on one-year deals. Even before Peterson left in free agency, cornerback was a need for the Cardinals. In his final season at Florida State, Samuel had a career-high three interceptions. Some have suggested he is a slot cornerback only; that isn’t true. Samuel can play on the outside and could turn into the Cardinals’ top cornerback as a rookie. In a division full of talented wide receivers, the Cardinals need to address the cornerback position early in the draft.
For more on Samuel, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 5, Pick 160: Kenny Yeboah, TE, Ole Miss
Because of the Hudson and DeAndre Hopkins trades, the Cardinals don’t have a third or fourth-round pick. However, they are happy with their veterans. After sitting out for over 100 picks, the Cardinals add to the receiving core. The Cardinals lost starting tight end Dan Arnold in free agency and haven’t added a replacement. Last season, the Cardinals’ tight ends combined for 48 catches, with 31 coming from Arnold. After four seasons at Temple, Yeboah transferred to Ole Miss. In his one season, Yeboah had a career-high 524 receiving yards and six touchdowns. The addition won’t stop the Cardinals from adding a veteran in free agency. However, he gives them upside at tight end and a potential future starter.
For more on Yeboah, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 6, Pick 223: Jermar Jefferson, RB, Oregon State
Another player the Cardinals lost in free agency was running back Kenyan Drake. While the Cardinals believe Chase Edmonds can be their starting running back, they lack depth at the position. During his time at Oregon State, Jefferson was unstoppable, averaging almost six yards per carry. Furthermore, he totaled 27 rushing touchdowns and nearly 3,000 rushing yards in his college career. While he will never turn into a featured back, Jefferson can provide the Cardinals with a change of pace running back.
For more on Jefferson, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 7, Pick 243: Joshua Kaindoh, EDGE, Florida State
Right before the 2020 NFL trade deadline, the Cardinals traded a sixth-round pick for Markus Golden. Then, they re-signed him last month to pair with Chandler Jones. However, both are on the wrong side of 30 and on short-term deals. With that in mind, the Cardinals need to add a developmental pass rusher on day three of the draft. During his time at Florida State, Kaindoh dealt with injuries and limited production, totaling eight sacks in four seasons. However, at 6’7” and 265 lbs, Kaindoh has plenty of raw potential. After developing behind Jones and Golden for a year or two, Kaindoh could turn into a starter.
Round 7, Pick 247: Trevon Grimes, WR, Florida
Even though the Cardinals added Green in free agency, he signed only a one-year deal. Furthermore, Christian Kirk is entering a contract year while Andy Isabella and KeeSean Johnson have done very little in their careers. A year from now, the wide receiver room could look very different other than Hopkins. Meanwhile, in his final season at Florida, Grimes had a breakout season with a career-high 38 catches for 589 yards and nine touchdowns. In a deep wide receiver class, the Cardinals would be wise to use one of their later picks on a developmental receiver.
For more on Grimes, check out our scouting report on him here.
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