NFL Draft: Cardinals seven-round mock
Apr 25, 2013, 3:11 PM | Updated: 3:34 pm
It has been almost a month since I last worked my way through a seven-round Arizona Cardinals mock draft — and that was done for a reason — we were finally getting some clear information on what the Cardinals would be looking to do.
If we can harken back to three weeks ago, ArizonaSports.com outlined what the Cardinals will be looking to add per head coach Bruce Arians, and his list was pretty concise.
“We need depth, offensively and defensively, on the lines. I’d like to have a young safety and corner, and any receiver that runs 4.2.” he said to NFL Network’s Lindsey Soto.
Using that information, here’s what I think Thursday, Friday and Saturday could look like for the Cards.
Note: The Cardinals have been tied to two prospects right now: Oklahoma’s Lane Johnson and North Carolina’s Jonathan Cooper, both offensive line prospects, despite Arians saying earlier in the day that they won’t draft an offensive lineman just to take an offensive lineman.
Round 1 (7th overall) – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
I put a disclaimer that I would wait until late at night Wednesday to make a decision if I would change this pick, and have received no new info that leads me to believe that the Cardinals will look elsewhere if the first round plays out similarly to how I had it going.
Other Possibilities: Chance Warmack, Lane Johnson, Jonathan Cooper, Dion Jordan
Round 2 (38th overall) – DJ Swearinger, S, South Carolina
Swearinger has been an intriguing prospect all along as a potential plug and play safety on the back end of the Cardinals defense.
He is a ferocious hitter, with excellent play diagnosis and recognition skills, and has the versatility to thrive in defensive coordinator Todd Bowles’ secondary.
Other Possibilities: Terron Armstead, Menelik Watson, Justin Pugh, Mike Glennon, Ryan Nassib, Corey Lemonier
Round 3 (69th overall) – Brian Winters, OL, Kent State
When you look at what the Cardinals want to do, it includes getting versatile offensive linemen, and that is what Winters is. He played left tackle at Kent State, has the build and mentality of an interior lineman, but could give you quality snaps at right tackle as well.
Other possibilities: Sam Montgomery, David Bakhtiari, Phillip Thomas, Johnathan Hankins, Marquise Goodwin
Round 4 (103rd overall) – Trevardo Williams, OLB Conneticut
The Cardinals need to find an answer at the pass rushing position, and if they don’t address it earlier, they could here in round four. Williams is a faster, healthier version of O’Brien Schofield, who has never had his abilities questioned.
Other possibilities: Travis Frederick, David Quessenberry, Will Davis, BW Webb, Cornelius Washington
Round 5 (140th overall) – Hugh Thornton, OG, Illinois
As the Cardinals continue to build their team, adding versatile pieces on offense and defense will be a key. Thornton, like Winters, lined up at left tackle in college, but projects as an interior lineman in the NFL. His ability to swing to three positions makes him a very valuable late piece.
Other Possibilities: JJ Wilcox, Josh Boyce, Xavier Nixon, Josh Evans
Round 6 (174th overall) – Corey Fuller, WR, Virginia Tech
If the Cardinals are looking for a possible deep threat, Fuller could be that guy. He lacks the refinement to be more than a fourth receiver early, but his deep speed and separation ability, coupled with the fact he tracks the ball well, could be ideal in the Arians offense.
Other Possibilities: David Bass, Nickell Robey, Jasper Collins, Jelani Jenkins
Round 7 (219th overall) – Marc Anthony, CB, California
I highly doubt Anthony will be here, but he is a nice end-of-the-draft-type who can come in and play special teams and fight for playing time in the secondary.
Other possibilities: Ray Ray Armstrong, Uzoma Nwachukwu, Abry Jones
