The Arizona Cardinals have been at the forefront of some significant rumors this offseason. With star quarterback Kyler Murray practically demanding to be paid what he believes he’s owed, Arizona has been in the spotlight for quite a few weeks now. As all that is being worked out, there is still a draft this organization needs to focus on, and in terms of this mock, one where Murray is still the future for years to come.
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 23: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
It was almost impossible to pass up on Purdue edge rusher George Karlaftis at pick 23, but it had to be done. We saw how this offense performed last season after DeAndre Hopkins went down in the latter half of the year, and something has to be done. Getting Wilson would be a major weapon at Murray’s disposal. The team wouldn’t be so reliant on Hopkins now that they have a true second receiver to lean on. Additionally, Christian Kirk is a free agent this offseason, and bringing him back will be difficult with the money that Murray wants.
For more on Wilson, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 2, Pick 55: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
If we can’t go with the best player available in the first round, why not do it in the second? Elam is a player who’s lost some hype this draft season with no reasoning. He’s a comfortable first-round talent and a corner who will need development to be trusted on an island but can start from Week 1. The value here is unreal as the Cardinals are in need of shutdown corners opposite Byron Murphy.
For more on Elam, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 3, Pick 87: Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State
Here’s a player that we aren’t talking about enough. In an Ohio State system that doesn’t use tight ends, Ruckert showed major flashes of a starting tight end at the next level. There’s no real weakness to Ruckert’s game, and he can be a much cheaper option than Zach Ertz. Now, the Cardinals should keep Ertz, let Maxx Williams walk, and allow Ruckert to backup Ertz for a year before taking over as the starter in 2023.
For more on Ruckert, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 6, Pick 199: Tyler Allgeier, RB, BYU
Although there are no trades in this mock, you’d have to think Arizona will make a move to avoid waiting 112 picks before their next selection. However, we must keep the no-trade theme going, thus, the Cardinals wait to select a younger James Conner in the sixth. Conner’s is hitting free agency this year, so the Cardinals will be looking for that power guy that can match Conner’s production, and Allgeier can do just that.
Round 6, Pick 215: Micah McFadden, LB, Indiana
Linebacker isn’t a glaring need for Arizona, however, depth is needed. McFadden is an uber-experienced linebacker, who started for three years on Tom Allen’s defense. He was one of the major faces in Indiana’s 2020 turnaround season and a hard-nosed player through his college career. While McFadden won’t be the most talented guy, he should secure a roster spot due to his high motor.
Round 7, Pick 241: Charleston Rambo, WR, Miami
Probably the least likely player to make the roster, Rambo gets drafted because of his production during his time at Oklahoma. He showed really nice route-running and was a star at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Rambo making the roster depends on how many Arizona receivers come back, especially with Wilson getting selected in the first round. However, if Andy Isabella is traded, Rambo would have a solid chance to make the final roster.
Round 7, Pick 256: E.J. Perry, QB, Brown
This could be the most entertaining pick across all of our mocks thus far. Not many have heard of Perry, but you need to get to know this NFL Combine invitee. Perry showed out at Brown as a dual-sport and dual-threat player after transferring from Boston College. He’s not going to be Murray’s replacement if he leaves. However, you have to think Kliff Kingsbury will find creative ways to use this guy in gadget play situations.
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