The Arizona Cardinals will hold the 29th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. The biggest move the red birds made to date was the acquisition of pass rusher Chandler Jones. The move cost Arizona a 2nd round pick as well as Jonathan Cooper, their expected starting center. Who could Arizona be eyeing in the draft this season.
The biggest hole remains adding to that pass rushing void. Arizona ranked 20th in the NFL in sacks a year ago as adding another pass rusher opposite of Chandler Jones makes a lot of sense. Could Arizona roll the dice on Noah Spence?
Adding one of the premier defensive tackle prospects could also make a ton of sense for the red birds. As many as 10 defensive tackles could be off the board in the first round so there is one that will likely be available for Arizona at 29. Andrew Billings and Kenny Clark are two names to keep an eye on. Any defensive line prospect the Cardinals select would either play nose tackle or 3-4 defensive end.
In terms of later in the draft The Cardinals figure to look for a cornerback as well as a center. This year’s corner class isn’t particularly deep but history has proven you can find quality corners later in the draft. Arizona could also pull off a shocker and select Alabama’s Ryan Kelly in the first round. Kelly is a sure fire pick who would be the Cardinals starting center from day one.
Cardinals Draft Picks:
Round 1 — 29th overall.
Round 2 — Traded to New England in the deal for the Chandler Jones.
Round 3 – 92nd overall.
Round 4 — 128th overall.
Round 5 — 167th overall
Round 5 — 170th overall (compensatory)
Round 6 — 205th overall
Round 7 — Traded to Philadelphia in the deal for Matt Barkley.
