Cardinals trade back, still land WR in 1st round in new mock draft simulation
It is another Saturday which means it is time to do another seven-round mock draft simulation for the Arizona Cardinals. This week, the ideal scenario would be to see what would happen in a trade down in the first round, attempting to acquire a pick in the fourth or fifth round.
In this seven-round simulation on The Draft Network, things work out fantastically for the Cardinals. They move back, pick up a fourth-round pick and still land a top receiver target.
Let’s run down each pick.
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Trade!
The Tennessee Titans want to move up from the 26th pick to the 23rd. They offer No. 26 and their fourth-round pick. Thinking I would land an offensive lineman or late-round pass rusher, I say yes.
However, things work even better than thought.
Round 1: Ohio State WR Chris Olave
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
I do not see a scenario in the actual draft where this happens, but Olave is still on the board at pick No. 26. Even Jahan Dotson goes before him with the 25th pick.
This didn’t just happen once. I ran a couple of other sims and Olave went later than most expect.
Olave is smooth, fast and productive. He has some length and runs great routes. Because he runs so smoothly, you don’t realize he has elite speed.
If there is a perfect scenario for the Cardinals, this might be it. They land a top receiver and pick up a fourth-round selection.
Round 2: Penn State EDGE Arnold Ebiketie
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The Cardinals need help on the edge. He is a little undersized but has scary quickness and twitch off the edge, much like Hasson Reddick does. While some think he might be deficient against the run, as a rookie he could be a nickel rusher who replaces Devon Kennard, who is strong against the run. It is a perfect way to maximize his skills and still allow him to develop and learn without it being a detriment to the defense.
Round 3: Chattanooga OL Cole Strange
(AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Strange was one of the combine standouts. He shone with a 5.03-second 40 and 7.44-second three-cone. Because the Cardinals appear to be set in the starting lineup, Strange can be groomed to replace one of the guards in the lineup this coming season. He has great movement skills and should get stronger and keep weight on, as he played small in college. However, he gives the Cardinals some youth for the future of the line to protect Kyler Murray.
Round 4: Arizona State RB Rachaad White
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Picking up a fourth-round selection from the Titans, local fans will love the Cardinals landing White, who was fantastic for the Sun Devils the last two seasons. If he is drafted, he probably replaces Eno Benjamin. He is bigger and a little bigger and faster than Benjamin. He can catch passes and pass block.
Round 6: USC CB Isaac Taylor-Stuart
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
In the final two rounds, teams like to bet on athletic traits or extremely high football IQ.
Taylor-Stuart has the traits. He has the ideal frame and speed to play at a high level in the NFL covering the perimeter. He was very inconsistent at USC, but that is the sort of prospect you get on Day 3. He is a flowed player with high upside.
Round 6: USC S Isaiah Pola-Mao
Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
The Cardinals make consecutive USC defensive back picks and three straight picks out of the Pac 12. He has length for the back end at 6-4 but is lean. He likes to play physically but has had some injuries. He has good athleticism and should be able to at least contribute on special teams.
Round 7: Virginia Tech WR Tre Turner
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Turner is not overly athletic but has great hands. He has some length at 6-1 and is a former basketball player.
Round 7: North Carolina RB Ty Chandler
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
We double up at running back because it was impossible to let Chander go undrafted. He is 5-11 with sub-4.4 speed. He is a perfect complementary back who can catch the ball. He can return kicks as well.
Round 7: Colorado LB Nate Landman
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This pick is like the Evan Weaver pick from a couple of seasons ago. He is a heady, physical player who was extremely productive before he got hurt. He has the stereotypical size and frame for inside linebacker that defensive coordinator Vance Joseph likes at 6-3, 235 lbs.
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