With just days remaining until the 2020 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals are poised to take a major step forward after a surprising 2019. Today we take a final trip around the mock machine and offer an alternate take on what Steve Keim and the front office could do. The rules for this mock draft are slightly different. First of all, trades are available and encouraged. Also, we are unable to select any of the same players that were selected during the first mock draft (read about that here). Without further delay, here’s the final FPC Cardinals mock draft.
Full Haul
Trades:
8th overall (R1) to Buccaneers for 14th overall, 76th (R3), and 139th (R4)
72nd overall (R3) to Rams for 104th (R3) and 126th (R4)
131st overall (R4) to 49ers for 176th (R5) and 245th (R7)
Link to the full draft: Cardinals Mock Draft 2.0
Round 1 (14): Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Notable Options: Mekhi Becton, OT; Kristian Fulton, CB; K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge
Adhering to rules, Mekhi Becton was ineligible to be selected here. Trading down adds third and fourth-round picks. The next best option for the Cardinals here was Wirfs. The junior out of Iowa is a powerhouse on the right side of the line. Wirfs had a handful of starts on the left side during his college career but he should be viewed as a right tackle. One thing that Wirfs shows on film is the ability to get to his spots. Wirfs is agile enough to get to his spot and get set up. Wirfs will need to work on his ability to sustain blocks. He often gets a great initial push but fails to reset his feet and hands to stay in front of the defender. If Wirfs can take to NFL coaching, he could be a force on the Arizona offensive line.
Round 3 (76): Curtis Weaver, Edge, Boise State
Notable Options: Adam Trautman, TE; Willie Gay Jr., LB; Jonathan Greenard, Edge
To help address additional needs, the Cardinals trade back from pick 73 and net a late-third (104th) and another fourth (126th) from the Rams. It becomes a decision between selecting a pass-rushing edge defender or adding to the offense. Weaver is an above-average defender who displayed the ability to play both the run and pass. What stands out with Weaver is his production. In three seasons at Boise State University, Weaver totaled 34 sacks and 46.5 tackles for loss. Weaver is not a top prospect due to his lack of flashy athleticism. He is not overly quick or strong. However, he counters very well and his production points to an intelligent player. Weaver stands to learn a tremendous amount from fellow edge players, Chandler Jones.
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Round 3 (104): Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State
Notable Options: Willie Gay Jr., LB; Michael Pittman Jr., WR; Jordan Elliot, IDL
Using the pick gained from Los Angeles, the Cardinals hope to find a talented piece to supplement their linebacking group. Davis-Gaither’s size is not ideal as he stands at 6’1″ and just under 225 pounds. However, watching the Appalachian State linebacker on tape, Davis-Gaither’s ability to find the football must not be understated. If he were fifteen pounds heavier, there is little doubt that Davis-Gaither would be considered a first or second-round selection. As a rookie, Davis-Gaither would be a great backup linebacker who could progress into the starting unit by the end of the year. Due to his playmaking ability, expect to also see him on special teams.
Round 4 (114): Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA
Notable Options: Jordan Elliot, IDL; Damien Lewis, IOL; Thaddeus Moss, TE
The Cardinals get a mid-round receiving option in Asiasi. The former Bruin is an athletic pass-catching tight end who could become a dependable target for Kyler Murray. Asiasi works hard with his run-blocking but needs to work on his technique. Averaging just over 15 yards per reception, Asiasi would provide another target in the passing game who can beat defenses deep. While it is tempting to give the nod to Thaddeus Moss at tight end, Asiasi’s willingness to contribute as a run-blocker is what gives him the edge.
Round 4 (126): Solomon Kindley, IOL, Georgia
Notable Options: Anthony McFarland, IOL; Brandon Jones, S; Collin Johnson, WR
Kindley is a solid offensive lineman who could find himself in competition for one of the main backup roles inside. He has the size and toughness but needs to get better with his technique. He needs to learn to use hands better on initial contact but has desired strength for an interior lineman. NFL coaching will do him well. Don’t be surprised if he’s competing for a starting job entering year two.
Round 4 (139): Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
Notable Options: Brandon Jones, S; Quintez Cephus, WR; Alton Robinson, Edge
If speed is your thing, Duvernay has it in bunches. A former high school track star, Duvernay had 106 receptions as a senior in 2019, averaging 13.1 yards per receptions. While not the tallest receiver, Duvernay is strong after the catch and does not shy away from contact. At just 5’10”, he will need to work on his contested catching but does show reliable hands. If he can work on his route running, Duvernay could become a valuable weapon for his cousin Kyler Murray and the Cardinals offense.
Round 5 (176): Myles Bryant, CB, Washington
Notable Options: Markus Bailey, LB; Lamar Jackson, CB; Trajan Bandy, CB
Bryant checks in at 5’9″. He was a walk-on at Washington but earned a starting role in his sophomore season. Bryant is a physical cornerback who has the quickness to play in the slot. He will need to become better at playing the ball but he is a tough cornerback who will make life difficult for many receivers in the NFL. The biggest concern is those larger receivers who can occasionally box out Bryant from the football. In a pinch, Bryant could also see time at safety where he spent his 2019 season.
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Round 6 (202): Alex Taylor, OT, South Carolina State
Notable Options: Carter Coughlin, Edge; Lynn Bowden, WR; Cameron Clark, OT
Taylor is purely a flier with major potential. A high school basketball star in South Carolina, Taylor saw minimal playing time at Appalachian State before transferring to South Carolina State. He is a big-man with excellent athleticism and solid length. Taylor is rough around the edges but has the physical tools to make him worth a late-round selection. A talented run-blocker, Taylor will need to work on his pass sets. He can sometimes get too wide in his pass sets which causes issues with spacing along the line. If he can get stronger in his upper body and stabilize his pass blocking, he can be a surprise starter in year two or three.
Round 7 (222): Tremayne Anchrum, OT/IOL, Clemson
Notable Options: Lavert Hill, CB; Trevis Gipson, Edge; Freddie Swain, CB
Anchrum started every game during his junior and senior seasons for Clemson. Although Anchrum was a fixture at right tackle, he is likely to be moved inside as he does not have the prototypical length. Anchrum is quick with his feet and gets out of his stance with ease. He was an effective pass blocker in college and was solid in the ground game, primarily the outside zone run. Anchrum’s size is the biggest concern but he is someone who could crack a starting lineup if given the opportunity.
Round 7 (245): Tyrie Cleveland, WR, Florida
Notable Options: Isaiah Coulter, WR; Jaron Bryant, CB; Grayland Arnold, CB
Cleveland has good size, standing 6’2″ and weighing about 210 pounds. His production at Florida was less than stellar but he did show the ability to be a reliable pass catcher. Cleveland’s size is what will get him in the door. He does not have the long speed that is often desired but is above-average underneath and works best finding the soft spots in zone coverage. Cleveland is a likely a special teams player with marginal value as a reserve wide receiver.
– Ryan Adverderada is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage 49ers. He also covered the Arizona Cardinals for Full Press Coverage. Like and follow on Follow @ryanadverderada
