ESPN: Cardinals would select Dante Fowler Jr. if they had the No. 1 overall pick

The Arizona Cardinals own the 24th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, and many experts are predicting them to choose a running back or a pass rusher. But what if they had a higher pick, say the first overall selection? Who would they choose then?

According to an ESPN Insider piece, Arizona would draft Dante Fowler Jr. with the first overall pick in this year’s draft.

Quarterback Carson Palmer has said he’s ahead of schedule in his recovery from ACL surgery. Coach Bruce Arians has publicly said the quarterback class beyond Winston and Mariota is “average at best,” but he also said at the combine he’s known Winston since he was in ninth grade and declared him “a good kid.” Still, the pick would be Fowler.

Fowler spent three years at Florida and recorded 140 total tackles, including 33.5 tackles for a loss. He also had 14.5 sacks, two passes defended and five forced fumbles. Last season, Fowler tallied 8.5 sacks and 60 total tackles in 12 games.

The Cardinals have a great need for a pass rusher, as they managed only 35 sacks as a team last season. The 6-foot-3, 261-pound Fowler would be an immediate improvement, but he is likely going to be a high first round pick, so Arizona would have to trade up to get him.

The Cardinals have had the first overall pick four times in franchise history, with the last coming in 1958. They picked an offensive player every time they’ve chosen first overall, including Hall of Fame, do-it-all talent Charli Trippi in 1945.