The NFL combine began this week and Draft Wire managing editor Luke Easterling put together a new mock draft before we see the prospects get measured and tested.
The Arizona Cardinals, who have the 23rd pick in the first round of this year’s draft, could go a number of ways.
One position they could go with is a wide receiver, which would be welcomed by many fans.
That’s exactly what the Cardinals do in Easterling’s new mock draft. They land arguably the best receiver in the draft with the 23rd pick.
They take Alabama receiver Jameson Williams.
Kyler Murray’s future will continue to be the big story in Arizona, so don’t be surprised if this pick is spent with eyes on helping him continue his progression as the franchise quarterback. Williams is recovering from a torn ACL, but would have been the first receiver off the board at full strength.
For a team hoping to compete now, taking an injured receiver is interesting. Of course, their last two draft picks have not played much as rookies and they were healthy.
Williams is 6-2 and 189 lbs. He had 79 receptions for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2021 for the Crimson Tide.
He tore his ACL in the national championship game against Georgia in January, so he might not be able to play his entire rookie year in the NFL and, if he does, it will be limited.
For the Cardinals, it wouldn’t necessarily be a move for 2022. It would be for the future, and pairing Williams with Murray for several years could have the sort of impact that Ja’Marr Chase had with Joe Burrow this past season.
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