Cardinals weighing their options in NFL draft
NFL mock drafts are tough enough to produce with any accuracy when it only involves how things might play out in the first round. Trying to pinpoint which players will end up with a specific team through all seven rounds is impossible. Nevertheless, we've taken a shot at that daunting task. Here’s a look at how it could all shake out for the Cardinals, who have eight picks in this year’s draft set for April 28-30.
First round
Pick No. 23 overall – WR Treylon Burks, Arkansas, Jr.
Hometown: Warren, Arkansas; Vitals: 6-3/225
How he fits: Projects as team’s No. 2 wide receiver opposite DeAndre Hopkins. Though he disappointed in his 40 time at the NFL scouting combine, Burks is a versatile weapon who can line up anywhere and be a mismatch for defenders. He will fight for balls in traffic, packs a powerful stiff arm and is a smooth and natural route runner who can also carry the ball out of the backfield if asked. The Cardinals had Burks in town for one of their 30 official prospect visits.
Second round
Pick No.55 overall – EDGE Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State, Sr.
Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland; Vitals: 6-3/256
How he fits: He can be groomed as an eventual starter at outside linebacker and getting regular reps as a pass rusher in a rotation situation. He’s very good at using his hands and leverage to slide his way into the backfield and is explosive off the snap. He can play inside as well if they need him to slide from defensive tackle or defensive end.
Third round
Pick No. 87 overall – CB Tariq Woolen, Texas-San Antonio, Sr.
Hometown: Forth Worth, Texas; Vitals: 6-4/205
How he fits: Woolen is raw for a cornerback, having only played the position for two years after switching from wide receiver, but he’s got freakish size, length and speed and can immediately challenge for a spot in Vance Joseph’s defense. Woolen ran a 4.26 in the 40-yard dash, the fourth-fastest time ever, at this year’s scouting combine and he has one of the highest ceilings for any player in this year’s draft. He could end up being a steal for the Cardinals.
Sixth round
Pick 201st overall – TE Cole Turner, Nevada, Sr.
Hometown:
Clackamas, Oregon; Vitals: 6-6/240
How he fits: The Cardinals are set for starters between Zach Ertz, Maxx Williams (if he’s fully recovered from a torn ACL) and free-agent addition Stephen Anderson. Turner, however, could provide even more depth behind them in what is becoming a crowded tight end room and the Cards liked him enough to bring him in for an official pre-draft visit.
Sixth round
Pick No. 215th overall – RB James Cook, Georgia, Sr.
Hometown: Miami; Vitals: 5-11/190
How he fits: The younger brother of Vikings star running back Dalvin Cook, James Cook might be an option in Arizona behind starter James Conner as a nice, change-of-pace ballcarrier in the mold of Chase Edmonds who can also change games with his pass-catching abilities. He’s got the footwork, hardcutting moves, and long speed to challenge Eno Benjamin and Jonathan Ward for the No.2 running back role.
Seventh round
Pick No. 244th overall – G Tyrese Robinson, Oklahoma, Sr.
Hometown: McKinney, Texas; Vitals: 6-3/324
How he fits: The Cardinals need depth at guard, and Robinson can play both guard and tackle, which makes him that much more versatile. He plays with a mean streak, has tremendous power in his upper body and hands and although he will need time to develop, it’s been said he is like running into a brick wall.
Seventh round
Pick No. 256th overall – WR Ty Fryfogle, Indiana, Sr.
Hometown: Lucedale, Mississippi; Vitals: 6-2/205
How he fits: Late-round prospect who could compete for a spot near the end of the depth chart and/or practice squad. He possesses good size with decent speed and can make room for himself in the secondary.
Seventh round
Pick No. 257th overall – DT Marquan McCall, Kentucky, Sr.
Hometown: Detroit; Vitals: 6-3/379
How he fits: McCall has massive size and strength who can compete for a shot at backup nose tackle because of his ability to absorb blocks, especially double teams, and clog up interior gaps. The Cards have a need at nose tackle with veteran Corey Peters, a fellow Kentucky alum, being an unsigned free agent.