It is mock draft season and we see projections from one round to seven rounds from all over the Internet. The latest comes from Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy. He has seven-round projections for the Arizona Cardinals.
Below, let’s look at each pick and whether it is a good selection for Arizona in terms of fit, talent and need.
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Round 1: Alabama EDGE Will Anderson
Anderson is the best possible pick for the Cardinals in the first round.
There is no better talent or fit for what the Cardinals need.
Round 2: Pitt DL Calijah Kancey
Kancey is a stud and would be an absolute steal here.
He draws comparisons to Aaron Donald, but that is mostly because they played for the same college program.
Donald was 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds and ran the 40 in 4.68 seconds.
Kancey is 6-0 1/2 and 281 pounds. He ran the 40 in 4.67 seconds.
Donald was much more productive than Kaney, but considering the need the Cardinals have on the defensive line, this is a great pick.
Getting him in the second round would be an absolute win.
Round 3: TCU OL Steve Avila
It is doubtful that people would complain much if Avila were the Cardinals’ selection in the second round. In the third round, it is a steal.
Round 3: Alabama CB Eli Ricks
The Cardinals need to address the cornerback position and Ricks is a great pick in Round 3. He has size at 6-foot-2 and is physical. He doesn’t have long speed and his change of direction is less than you want, but he has good tape.
He is an ok pick here.
Round 4: Tulane RB Tyjae Spears
Spears would be an absolute steal. He had more than 1,500 yards last season and he has been the predraft season from the Senior Bowl to the combine.
His burner speed will complement James Conner nicely.
Round 5: Arkansas WR Jadon Haselwood
Haselwood has length (6-foot-2) but doesn’t have great speed (4.66-second 40). He had 59 receptions for 702 yards and three touchdowns.
Receivers late in the draft will have flaws. The Cardinals have speed at receiver. Length is more needed.
He is an okay pick.
Round 6: Tulane LB Dorian Williams
The Cardinals have a full linebacker room but he had production and is athletic.
He looks more like a safety but could be a nice hybrid option to develop.
He is an okay pick.
Round 6: Fresno State QB Jake Haener
Drafting a quarterback on Day 3 is just a shot in the dark. Can he become even a reliable backup?
There’s nothing wrong with this pick but taking an athletic defensive back or other skill position who can be a stud on special teams probably is a better option.
