Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jess Root

Breaking down Draft Wire’s 7-round mock draft for Cardinals

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.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

Round 1: Alabama EDGE Will Anderson

Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

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

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

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

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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

Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

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

Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

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

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

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

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

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

Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.