The Arizona Cardinals could select an offensive tackle in the NFL draft next week. They might do it with their first-round pick, the eighth selection overall.
Cardinals general manager Steve Keim gave what perhaps is a little insight into what he he believes about the players at the top of the draft as well as what the Cardinals are looking for.
Keim stated the traditional view of the left tackle position being more important than the right side is not necessarily for modern football.
“The left tackle was thought of as the premium protector but people are flopping ends and outside backers now to be able to create those mismatches so you can’t get pigeon-holed and just say he can only play left or right tackle,” he told reporters in a video conference on Wednesday.
However, Keim values versatility. “You want guys to have positional flexibility as well as a scheme that supports that,” he said.
He believes that this draft class offers a variety of talent.
“They’re all different in this draft,” he said. “It’s been fun to watch these guys because they bring different skill sets. Some are a little more physical. Some are better pass protectors. A couple of them can play inside and outside. A couple of them can play left tackle and right tackle, so they have been a lot of fun to evaluate.”
He said “it’s going to be interesting to see where they go in this draft.”
Four players, in particular, get the most press — Georgia’s Andrew Thomas, Alabama’s Jedrick Wills, Louisville’s Mekhi Becton and Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs.
He didn’t really tip his hand in terms of preference, calling them “all fun to watch.”
If the Cardinals were to select one, it will come down to fit.
“At the end of the day, I think all four of them are going to be good players and you just have to determine what fits what you do best.”
He also spoke specifically about each of the four top prospects. Read on to find out what he said about each.
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