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4 best-case scenario picks for the Cardinals at No. 16 overall

With the NFL draft on Thursday, there are four players that would be perfect for the Arizona Cardinals. In 2020, having Isaiah Simmons fall to the eighth overall pick was a best-case scenario.

That is harder to happen with the 16th overall pick but the ideal scenario for the Cardinals would be to have one of these four players fall to them.

There are two receivers and two cornerbacks who have star potential and fill immediate and long-term needs.

If one of these players are available, the pick is easy.

Who are they?


Alabama CB Patrick Surtain II

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Surtain is either the No. 1 or No. 2 cornerback in the draft, depending on whom you ask. He played top competition in the SEC, has the right size, length and athleticism. The Cardinals' most pressing need is at cornerback. He would make a fine addition at a premium position that has no one under contract after this season except for Byron Murphy.

South Carolina CB Jaycee Horn

Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Horn has NFL bloodlines as does Surtain. He equals Surtain in terms of checking all the boxes. His physicality might actually be a better fit for the Cardinals. Surtain and Horn are basically equal. Landing one or landing the other would be huge.

Alabama WR DeVonta Smith

Kyle Robertson/The Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY Network

If neither of the two corners are on the board, having Smith would be huge for the offense. Smith has star potential, and when the player comp people use is either Marvin Harrison or Isaac Bruce, that is great. He is fast, smooth and makes plays. He can play inside and out, giving the Cardinals someone in the slot as a rookie to play in four-wide sets or even push Christian Kirk for playing time.

Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle

Gary Cosby Jr/The Tuscaloosa News via USA TODAY Sports

Waddle and Smith are basically like Surtain and Horn. You would love to have either one of those players at those positions. Waddle could also be a game-changer. Some have used Tyreek Hill as a player comp and that would unlock new levels of productivity offensively. He has a thicker build than Smith but both should be stars in the league and, pairing him with DeAndre Hopkins could be special. Listen to the latest from Cards Wire's Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify. Latest show:

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