Thus far in the offseason, the buzz around the Arizona Cardinals has been about adding an offensive lineman in the draft or a receiver. Because of how their defense played in 2019, they could also take a defensive player as well.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper released his first mock draft of the year and he has them taking the first offensive lineman of the draft.
They take Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas with the eighth overall pick.
This is about the range in which we could see a run on offensive tackles, and Thomas, who has played on both the left and right, is No. 1 on my board. I debated going with a receiver here; wouldn’t Kyler Murray’s former teammate CeeDee Lamb enjoy catching a few more long touchdown passes from his friend? But this comes down to protecting the franchise quarterback, and Arizona desperately needs help along its line, particularly at left tackle, where starter D.J. Humphries is a free agent. The Cardinals also have some defensive deficiencies, so keep an eye on a defensive back, too.
Three quarterbacks — Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert — all go in the top six and the other four picks are all defensive players. Ohio State DE Chase Young goes second overall, Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah is third overall and Clemson linebacker/safety Isaiah Simmons goes fourth overall. Auburn DT Derrick Brown goes seventh overall.
So the Cardinals have their pick of the top receiver or the top lineman and they go with Thomas in this scenario. He does give them insurance for D.J. Humphries at left tackle should his injury issues return and he is an immediate answer at right tackle.
Plus, if the Cardinals end up deciding to use the franchise tag or transition tag on Humphries because they can’t agree on a long-term deal, it gives the Cardinals a little leverage.
Whether they take a lineman or a receiver, because of how this mock draft falls, they have their choice of their top player at either position.
They do lose out on the top defensive players but this could be as ideal a scenario as they could have on draft night.
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Ep. 256
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Ep. 255
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