At the NFL combine last week, it became very clear there is a lot of top talent among offensive linemen at the top of the draft. How does that affect how the first round of the NFL draft will look?
Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar put together a post-combine mock draft and in it, the Los Angeles Chargers trade up to draft quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. They move up to the fourth pick and the New York Giants drop a pair of slots to No. 6. That is where the offensive linemen begin to go.
The Arizona Cardinals take a lineman in this mock draft, only it isn’t who you might think. The Giants take Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas. The Cardinals, who need a right tackle, pass on Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs, who had one of the best combine showings ever by an offensive lineman.
They take giant tackle Mekhi Becton out of Louisville.
In a draft that is talent-laden at the wide receiver position, we have yet to hear one WR called. That streak continues, as the Cardinals pass on every wide receiver on the board to address another glaring need: Offensive line. The Cardinals desperately need to protect Murray next season, and Becton can help in that effort.
Murray was sacked 48 times last season, tied with Russell Wilson and Matt Ryan for the most times sacked in the league. Now yes, sacks are not an offensive line statistic and the quarterback contributes to those sack totals, but the Cardinals do need to give him more time in the pocket. Murray was hurried 63 times last season, fifth-most in the league. With D.J. Humphries and Justin Murray as their starting tackles last season, this position could use a boost.
They get that in Becton. The massive left tackle showed some power and explosiveness both on film and during his combine workout. He has very fluid footwork for a man of his size, and his length will be an asset in Kingsbury’s offense. He could be the guy to protect Murray’s blindside for the next decade.
Becton is huge and showed he is athletic. Can he maintain that body type at 364 pounds and stay healthy?
Now, Becton has played both right and left tackle. He would be a right tackle in 2020 and would likely only play left tackle if Humphries fails or gets hurt.
However, when Humphries’ new extension expires in three years, Becton could be in line to change sides and be the anchor of the line.
Of course, passing on Wirfs would be hard to do. He will be a great right tackle and has the traits to be a left tackle if needed.
Becton over Wirfs and all the receivers? It could play out that way in April.
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Ep. 260
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Ep. 259
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