The Arizona Cardinals have begun training camp but that doesn’t mean fans can’t look way too far ahead to the 2021 NFL draft. For those who love the draft, Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield put together projections for next year’s draft.
Using Super Bowl odds, the Cardinals have the 16th overall pick in the draft.
Who is their pick in the first round?
Schofield has them selecting Ohio State guard Wyatt Davis.
The Arizona Cardinals have done a great job assembling skill players on the offensive side of the football the past few seasons. As they head into 2020 they can roll out a 10 personnel package of Larry Fitzgerald, DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk and someone from the Hakeem Butler/Andy Isabella/KeeSean Johnson trio. With Kyler Murray pulling the strings and Kenyan Drake in the backfield, this is a potent group.
Obviously wide receiver could be a need still in 2021, if Fitzgerald hangs up the cleats or they cannot find a fourth member of the group from that above triumvirate. But if they can address other needs, the interior of the offensive line would be a place to start. That leads us to Davis, an athletic blocker who does a great job on zone designs and moving into space. That would be an ideal fit for Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.
Justin Pugh will have two years left on his contract after this season. Right guard J.R. Sweezy will be a free agent so there will be a spot in the lineup.
Receiver could be a focus but with a young quarterback like Murray, any investment to protect him is wise, especially if they believe in the skill players they have.
What is interesting is that Davis would be just the second lineman taken in the first round.
That isn’t likely to happen, as tackles usually are selected high.
If Davis ends up being the pick, there probably won’t be a lot of complaining.
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