It is NFL draft season for the Arizona Cardinals because they did not make the postseason. That means mock drafts will be common. Pro Football Focus’ latest mock draft has the Arizona Cardinals landing a very talented played at a position of extreme need.
In the latest mock, the Cardinals select Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain with the 16th pick in the draft.
Despite being tasked with playing on an island more than any cornerback in the country, Surtain comes in at No. 1 at his position in PFF grade this year (89.7). Surtain allowed less than 15 yards in coverage in exactly half of his games played, and he never allowed any more than 60 in one outing. Perhaps the most underappreciated aspect of his game this year has been his discipline, as he has yet to commit a single penalty. Surtain has the size, physicality and press skills that teams covet in the NFL.
He fits exactly what defensive coordinator Vance Joseph wants in a cornerback. And the Cardinals need cornerbacks. They only have Byron Murphy signed for next season, as Patrick Peterson, Dre Kirkpatrick, Johnathan Joseph and Kevin Peterson all are scheduled to be free agents.
The question will ultimately be whether or not he is still available with the 16th pick. Top cornerbacks often go higher.
If he is, as things look right now, this would be a slam dunk selection for the Cardinals in the draft.
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