The Arizona Cardinals shocked no one by selecting Kyler Murray, number one overall. Selecting a quarterback in the first round for the second year in a row is certainly a risky bet. Now the Cardinals must add to their roster on day two of the NFL Draft. Arizona enters today with the top pick of the second and third round. Will the Cardinals continue to add pieces to the offensive line or retool the defense? There is a wealth of talent available for Arizona, today we take a look at five players to watch for when the Cardinals make their selections.
Deep Pool
The final pick of the first round and the end of the first day went to the New England Patriots. Bill Belichick’s bunch broke hearts in Arizona as they selected N’Keal Harry, the talented wide receiver out of Arizona State University. The move hurt as many viewed the Patriots as possible suitors for quarterback Josh Rosen, and the fact of Harry being a hometown player with the strong possibility of playing for the home team.
Jawaan Taylor – OT, Florida
What did Taylor do? Easily one of the top tackles in the draft and widely considered a top-20 pick leading up to Thursday night, the Florida Gator is available. Arizona could use his talent on what was an atrocious offensive line in 2018. Taylor would make a solid bookend to fellow Gator D.J. Humphries, or take his job if the elder Florida man can’t stay healthy.
D.K. Metcalf – WR, Ole Miss
Add a deep threat to the offense. Metcalf has the speed to take the top off a defense and the size to cause problems against any secondary player. His injury history and lack of catch consistency are worrisome, but his ceiling is hard to pass up.
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Byron Murphy – CB, Washington *If Patrick Peterson is leaving*
Murphy is arguably the best cornerback in the 2019 class. He’s a natural in coverage and shows tremendous anticipation. He is fluid in his movement and performed well against top receivers like N’Keal Harry. If Peterson is leaving, Arizona could use Murphy’s ability to be his long-term replacement.
Erik McCoy – C/G, Texas A&M
McCoy is surprisingly available at the start of the second round. He is arguably the best interior lineman in the 2019 class, and can play either center or guard in the NFL. With the new toy in Murray, the Cardinals need to shore up the offensive line. McCoy would go a long way in doing that.
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Deebo Samuel – WR, South Carolina
Samuel is a playmaker with the football. While his size is comparable to current Cardinals receiver, Christian Kirk, Samuel has the speed to be the deep threat that Kirk struggles to be consistently. Samuel has solid hands and can threaten defenses underneath with his shiftiness or over the top with his speed. Durability is a concern and the primary reason he wasn’t a first round selection. Arizona’s offense needs weapons. Samuel can be just that.
Worth Watching
The good news for Arizona is there remains a wealth of talented pass catchers on the board. Just two wide receivers were selected in the first round, Harry and Oklahoma speedster, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. Also a positive for the Cardinals is the overall quality of the remaining players available. Nearly every position group holds two or three prospects worthy of a top-100 grade. Arizona is in good position with picks 33 and 65 to add major contributors.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Cardinals acquire more day two picks if the team can find a taker for Josh Rosen or the disgruntled Peterson. Ideally, the Cardinals and Peterson can work through this and continue their relationship. Rosen would be best sent elsewhere, hopefully for a day two pick to help fill one of the many holes. These two rounds will determine how well this team will perform over the next few seasons. It could be the last time Steve Keim makes day two picks for the Cardinals. Sit back, relax, and enjoy Friday night.
– Ryan Adverderada is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Cardinals. Like and follow on Follow @ryanadverderada Follow @Cardinals and Facebook.
