With the days ticking away, inching us closer to the yearly migrations of boo-birds following Roger Goodell, the draft is quickly approaching. In two weeks, the NFL descends on Nashville, Tennessee, hoping to witness the next great player get his name called by a lucky franchise. The Arizona Cardinals hold the top pick and the rumors continue to swirl over which direction the team will go. Earlier in the week we threw another name into the hat with our first mock draft. Today we took another shot at a mock draft, this time using FanSpeak’s Draft Simulator. Just like our first mock, trades were not used. Enough of the talk, let’s see what we came up with this time.
Round 1 (1.1)
Kyler Murray – QB, Oklahoma
The first major change from our first mock draft. This is a pick more in line with the circus surrounding the Cardinals and their front office. Murray had a magical season at Oklahoma, winning the Heisman Trophy, then taking the Sooners to within a game of battling for a National Championship. The Cardinals drafted quarterback Josh Rosen out of UCLA in the first round of the 2018 draft. Selecting a quarterback with your team’s first pick in consecutive seasons is typically a non-starter. However, if Arizona believes that Murray is a special talent and can be a franchise savior, the Cardinals would be foolish to ignore him.
Round 2 (2.1)
Byron Murphy – CB, Washington
Arizona signed Robert Alford to play opposite of cornerback Patrick Peterson. If the Cardinals get to the second round and Murphy is available, it would be wise to pick up the talented cornerback. A pairing of Peterson and Murphy would instantly rank among the best in the league. Murphy is easily a top-25 talent in a deep 2019 draft pool and has the ability to instantly slot into the starting position on most NFL defenses. The young cornerback is quick out of the back pedal and is not afraid to get physical with larger receivers. Murphy has the length to close windows and uses his body well to protect against speedier receivers. While it may not be a priority for Arizona, having two shutdown capable cornerbacks would make a tremendous difference for a needy defense.
Latest Cardinals News
- Kyler Murray Responds To Criticism
- Next on Deck: Who Are the Front Runners for Miami’s Head Coaching Job?
- NFL Christmas Day Storylines: Rodgers, Browns, and More
- 49ers Bullied by Cardinals in Home Loss
- The Arizona Cardinals Are Clicking On All Cylinders
Round 3 (3.1)
Hakeem Butler – WR, Iowa State
The Cardinals have Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk at the wide receiver position. That’s it. Sure, they have multiple players listed on the team’s depth chart, but the Cardinals have little reason to believe the position is well staffed. Butler has the talent to be a first or second round selection. If Butler is available in the third round, it would not be surprising to see the Cardinals take their replacement for Larry Fitzgerald. Butler has long been consistently tabbed as one of the top receivers of the class. He will need to become a better route runner, but he gives the Cardinals another playmaker out wide.
Round 4 (4.1)
Nate Davis – OL, Charlotte
Davis played both at tackle and guard during his college career. He is better suited to play inside which helps negate some of his pass blocking deficiencies. Davis is an intelligent player who looks to engage when uncovered. Arizona needs quality along the offensive line. They’ve signed depth over the past few weeks but lack any real quality. Davis may not be an immediate starter, but he is a solid backup who can play multiple line spots and who has the potential to grow. The Cardinals would be unwise to let his versatility slip by.
Round 5 (5.1)
Lamont Gaillard – C, Georgia
This is a late round pick on a solid collegiate player who could provide quality depth at the next level. Gaillard was a three-year starter at Georgia and did more than hold his own against some talented front lines in the SEC. He can play both guard positions as well as center, an area currently manned by 2018 rookie Mason Cole and veteran A.Q. Shipley, the latter of whom is returning from a torn ACL. Gaillard has the potential to become a regular start for the Cardinals.
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Round 6 (6.1)
Mike Bell – S, Fresno State
Bell is a depth and special teams selection who will challenge for playing time. He was a productive player at Fresno State with a knack for getting to the football. A slower than expected 40-yard time has put a damper on Bell’s stock. Bell has the size to compete with bigger receivers and tight ends. Put plainly, he is a Day 2 talent who likely falls to Day 3 due to poor testing. Bell will be a starter within a couple of seasons.
Latest NFL News
- What Non-Playoff Teams Have Best Chance To Make 2022 NFL Playoffs?
- Still A Problem: Raiders Must Account For Khalil Mack
- NFL 2022: Key Comings and Goings (As of May 19)
- Could Kansas City Chiefs Still Make Late Free Agent Moves?
- FPC NFL Power Rankings: Post-Draft 2022 Edition
Round 6 (6.6)
Gardner Minshew – QB, Washington State
Three quarterbacks with just a single year of pro experience between them? If the Cardinals want someone familiar with Kingsbury’s system, why not use a late round pick on a quarterback who learned from Kingsbury’s former collegiate head coach? Minshew was a one-year starter at Washington State after transferring from East Carolina. He has the familiarity to help in the quarterback room and displayed tremendous leadership during his time in Pullman. Minshew has the tools to be a backup in the future.
Round 7 (7.34)
Daniel Wise – DL, Kansas
Built more for the 3T rather than playing in the center of the line, Wise has some pass rushing ability and the size to cause issues. First step quickness is impressive and can be disruptive if allowed to get up field quickly. Wise is a high-ceiling player available near the end of the draft. The Cardinals would be smart to pick him up.
Round 7 (7.35)
Drew Forbes – G, Southeast Missouri State
Forbes comes from the FCS, but tested well at his pro day. If his numbers were included with those at the combine, Forbes would have had the fastest 40-yard dash at 4.87-seconds, and top-10 in bench press (28 reps), vertical (30.5 inches) and the 3-cone (7.59 seconds). A four-year starter at Southeast Missouri State, Forbes is an athletic blocker who is a low-risk late selection for the Cardinals.
Round 7 (7.40)
Matt Sokol – TE, Michigan State
More of a blocker than a receiver, Sokol is a good athlete who did not produce much as part of an anemic offense in college. Sokol has decent speed for his side and would be a TE3 option in short-yardage and near the end zone. He is a likely special teams contributor and depth at a low price.
Almost Time
The draft is a week away. Arizona has made it clear their work is not yet done. Rumors continue to swirl and misinformation is everywhere. The Cardinals will need to balance immediate needs with best player available. A miss in this draft would further set the franchise back. A miss this draft could be the last for general manager Steve Keim.
If you’d like to try your luck and compare your haul to what we have here, jump on the FanSpeak Draft Simulator. We also chose to use the FanSpeak big board rankings for the player pool.
– Ryan Adverderada is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Cardinals. Like and follow on Follow @ryanadverderada Follow @Cardinals and Facebook.
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 103: Discussing The New NFL OT Rules With Upton Bellby Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Former NFL executive Upton Bell joins Clark and Ian to discuss the latest […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 103: Discussing The New NFL OT Rules With Upton Bellby Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Former NFL executive Upton Bell joins Clark and Ian to discuss the latest […]
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
Ep 230: Early Rookie Draft Seasonby Full Press Coverage on May 10, 2022 at 7:58 pm
-
Ep 229: Fantasy Fallout From the NFL Draftby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 10:52 pm
-
Ep 228: Pre-NFL Draft Dynasty Rookie Draftby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 2:52 am
-
5/11 - Patriots Depth Chart, Contract Issues, Smoked Meat, and Ernie Adams With Matt Chathamby Full Press Coverage on May 11, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Matt Chatham joins Steve, Murph, and Clare to talk Patriots depth chart, […]
-
5/4 - Good, Bad, and Ugly From NFL Draft With Evan Lazarby Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Evan Lazar of CLNS Media joins Steve, Murph, and Claire to recap the […]
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning and their 2-0 series lead […]
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning's quest for a third-straight […]
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
Ian and John react to the Celtics game seven win over the Bucks and Jayson […]
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am
Ian and John discuss the release of the NFL schedule.
-
Tom Brady's New Broadcasting Deal (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm
Ian and John react to Tom Brady's post-retirement contract with Fox to […]
-
Celtics, Bucks Game Six, NBA Playoffs, Joel Embiid and James Harden (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:38 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics and Bucks upcoming game six, Joel Embiid […]
-
5/13 - NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's New Deal, NFL Schedule Releaseby Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Ian and John talk Celtics/Bucks and the NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's new […]
-
5/9 - NBA Playoffs; Officiating In Professional Sportsby Full Press Coverage on May 9, 2022 at 5:46 pm
Ian and John discuss the NBA playoffs and their current officiating […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Ep 37: Matt Ryan Traded To The Colts; Jameis Returns To NOLA; Mariota to ATLby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts […]
-
Talkamania Episode 226by Talkamania on May 16, 2022 at 11:23 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 225by Talkamania on April 2, 2022 at 3:03 pm
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 183 "The Streets Been Waiting"by Boot 2 The Face on May 15, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Sponsored by athleticgreens.com/EMERGING
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 182 "Mr. Toni Storm"by Boot 2 The Face on May 2, 2022 at 12:30 am
Marty and Rucker here again talking baseball, new action figures and the […]
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
-
The Game talks about Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom as well as Yankees and ROY Talkby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:04 pm
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
Episode 48 Criss Partee Analysis and reaction to Game 1s of the NBA Conference Finalsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 6:50 am
-
Ep. 253: Storm Rolls Into Atlantaby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 12:50 am
-
Ep. 118: The Road To Campby Full Press Coverage on May 18, 2022 at 7:10 pm
-
Bruce There He Is - May 17, 2022by Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 7:00 pm
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am
-
Tom Brady's New Broadcasting Deal (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm
-
Celtics, Bucks Game Six, NBA Playoffs, Joel Embiid and James Harden (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:38 pm
-
5/13 - NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's New Deal, NFL Schedule Releaseby Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:21 pm
-
5/9 - NBA Playoffs; Officiating In Professional Sportsby Full Press Coverage on May 9, 2022 at 5:46 pm
-
Celtics Tie The Series Against Bucksby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:52 am
-
5/4 - Horror Movies; Deandre Hopkins Suspension; Celtics Bounce Backby Full Press Coverage on May 5, 2022 at 5:03 am