It is mock draft season as the Arizona Cardinals look ahead to the 2024 NFL draft in about two and a half months.
Some mock drafts are reasonable. Some are out of touch.
This one is out of touch for the Arizona Cardinals.
In a new four-round mock draft from Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy has the Cardinals selecting a quarterback fourth overall, a guy largely believed who will be the first quarterback drafted.
Round 1, Pick No. 4: USC QB Caleb Williams
This makes no sense on multiple levels. The Cardinals aren’t taking a quarterback in the first round. They are riding with Kyler Murray. Anyone who still believes they are moving off Murray has not paid attention.
And there is no way Williams is going to be the third quarterback off the board.
So this mock draft starts off with a scenario that will never happen.
If Marvin Harrison Jr. is selected first overall as he is in this mock, and if Williams is still on the board, the Cardinals will trade back. Someone will want Williams and the Cardinals will get another haul in a draft-day trade.
Round 1, No. 27 overall: Oregon WR Troy Franklin
Franklin is a pick that makes sense. He has size at 6-foot-2 and was very productive for the Ducks last season with 81 catches for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Round 2, No. 35 overall: Georgia CB Kamari Lassiter
The mock draft is redeeming itself after the ridiculous selection of Williams fourth overall.
Franklin at the end of the first round and Lassiter in Round 2 are solid picks. Lassiter would be a very popular pick for a number of reasons. The Cardinals need a good cornerback Lassiter is one of the best in this draft class and he is the son of the late Kwamie Lassiter, who played eight years for the Cardinals.
Round 3, No. 66 overall: Penn State EDGE Adisa Isaac
Isaac had 7.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss for Penn State last year.
Round 3, No. 71 overall: Minnesota S Tyler Nubin
Budda Baker might get traded this offseason so a safety on Day 2 could make sense. Nubin picked off nine passes over the last two seasons.
Round 3, No. 90 overall: Kansas State OL Cooper Beebe
The Cardinals need offensive linemen. They need a starting left guard and depth.
Round 4, No. 104 overall: Texas OT Christian Jones
Jones had a good Senior Bowl and the Cardinals do need a tackle with D.J. Humphries having torn his ACL.
Round 4, No. 133 overall: UCF WR Javon Baker
He is another receiver with size.
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