Lamar Jackson to Cardinals in latest PFF mock draft
Apr 3, 2018, 7:00 PM
Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal. That’s the mantra Pro Football Focus believes is in store for the Arizona Cardinals at the 2018 NFL Draft.
In his latest mock draft, Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus has the Cardinals selecting Louisivlle quarterback Lamar Jackson with the No. 15 overall pick.
Arizona signed quarterback Sam Bradford in free agency to a one-year, $20 million deal but could stand to add depth at the position given Bradford’s injury history.
Even with Bradford and backup quarterback Mike Glennon on the roster, questions about a long-term option surround the Cardinals.
Palazzalo believes Jackson could be the answer.
One of the draft’s biggest QB-needy teams, the Cardinals will turn to Jackson’s big-play ability. He had the nation’s top rushing grade in each of the last two years, and he’s capable of making multiple reads and tight-window throws, though the down-to-down accuracy is lacking for Jackson at this point in his career. Still, there’s an offense to be built around his skillset, and he’s worth a look in the first round.
In three years at Louisville, Jackson went 25-14 as the starter and threw for 69 touchdowns against 27 interceptions. A dual-threat, he racked up an additional 4,132 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns on the ground.
Jackson was the recipient of the 2016 Heisman Trophy.
