The pressure is on in Arizona. With the signing of J.J. Watt, the Cardinals now appear in win-now mode. Having DeAndre Hopkins, Kyler Murray, Watt, and Chandler Jones alone seems to be the recipe for success. The Cardinals have even more stars than that. In arguably the most competitive division in the NFL, they must be ready to battle against heavily armed teams every single week. In order for them to come out on top with so few picks, the Cardinals must ace this draft. Let’s jump in and see if the Cardinals can top the NFC West.
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: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Regardless of whether Patrick Peterson comes back or not, the Cardinals are weak at cornerback. With Byron Murphy solidifying the slot cornerback role, the boundary positions need filling. Horn not only may be the best man coverage corner in the draft, but he also is one of the youngest. Taking him at 16 may prove to be an excellent move both in the short and long term. In a division with quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Russell Wilson, the need for a solidified coverage corner is more prevalent than ever. Horn fits the mold.
For more on Horn, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 2, Pick 49: Landon Dickerson, IOL, Alabama
Mason Cole is not the answer. The center is the ultimate commander of the offensive line and having a true leader is crucial for the success of the overall offense. Although Dickerson has played with Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones, there is zero doubt that he can adjust to a zone run scheme. His talent is above most linemen in the class. If Nick Saban loves a player, there is a good chance that he will be successful at the next level. Murray will absolutely love having this beast snapping him the ball on Sundays.
Round 3, Pick 79: Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
With Larry Fitzgerald nearing, if not at the end, of his career and with the wide receiver core not producing to its expectations, change is needed. Wallace provides a dynamic threat on the outside. He will come in as a day one starter and produce from the get-go. With Christian Kirk in the slot and Hopkins on the outside, Wallace may be the missing piece to the puzzle. In the third round especially, there is little room to improve this pick value-wise.
For more on Wallace, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 5, Pick 161: Jermar Jefferson, RB, Oregon State
Jefferson may be the sneaky steal of the draft at the running back position. He fits a zone run scheme well and has good speed, agility, vision, and contact balance. He surely will be able to run a committee with Chase Edmonds at a high level. Beware of the possibility that Jefferson takes over as the lead back for the Cardinals after just a few games. He truly can be a force to be reckoned with.
For more on Jefferson, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 7, Pick 238: Marquez Stevenson, WR, Houston
Stevenson is the ultimate seventh-round pick. He can return kicks, take screens for touchdowns, and provide massive help in any facet of the game with his incredible speed. Stevenson may be able to fill the role so many thought Andy Isabella would have a couple of years ago. The Cardinals will have a good return game for the first time since Andre Roberts and Ted Ginn.
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