ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cards Connect 4 mock: Doug & Wolf double down on offense

Apr 1, 2020, 2:31 PM
Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb runs through drills during Pro Day for NFL football scouts and c...

Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb runs through drills during Pro Day for NFL football scouts and coaches in Norman, Okla., Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

(AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

Doug & Wolf want to attack the Arizona Cardinals’ options in the 2020 NFL Draft differently.

The No. 8 overall pick presents numerous options, and so what Arizona does to follow up its first-round pick could change depending on needs filled with the draft prior. So Doug & Wolf on Wednesday introduced “Cardinals Connect Four.”

They’ll pick one different first-round selection during their next four shows and make Arizona’s next three draft picks (Nos. 72, 114 and 131) based on that.

At the least, it’ll introduce different scenarios of how the Cardinals’ own dominoes will fall in the draft. Meanwhile, it’ll allow us to take a look at later-round picks who are good names to know.

Oh, and in a twist, co-host Ron Wolfley doesn’t know what picks are coming. He reacts to the moves made during each segment.

8. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Kyler Murray gets his old pal, and the Cardinals suddenly have two jump-ball threats on the outside in Lamb and DeAndre Hopkins, who join Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk lining up in 10-personnel sets.

Lamb posted 62 receptions for 1,327 yards with 14 touchdowns last year.

Wolf’s reaction: “Offensively we’re going to be a nightmare. I have no problem doubling down with a philosophy of drafting CeeDee Lamb No. 8 overall, but you know who I want to see the Cardinals draft: Henry Ruggs III.”

72. Cam Akers, RB, Florida State

He’s a 5-foot-11, 212-pound back with surprising 4.47-second 40-yard speed. Though he has the physical capabilities to be a three-down back, Akers could stand to improve in pass protection but has good athleticism as a runner. He also flashed as a pass-catcher with 30 catches for 225 yards and four scores in 2019.

With Kenyan Drake currently on a transition tag tender that could make him a free agent after this coming year, drafting Akers gives Arizona a backfield mate alongside Chase Edmonds for the 2021 season.

Wolf’s reaction: “I mean, it hurts when you hit something (so big and fast) like that. I absolutely would love to see Cam Akers drafted in the third round. Once gain, what philosophy is it following? Double down on Kyler Murray.”

114. Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne

A little-known prospect, he could challenge for a starting role in the defensive backfield along with second-year pros Jalen Thompson and Deionte Thompson.

Though raw having played and thrived against Division II talent, the 217-pound safety is an impressive athlete with a strong work ethic who would need to be groomed.

Wolf’s reaction: “If he plays the game the way that Mel Kiper says that he plays the games — because I have not seen him play — but I can tell you right now, if in fact (Kiper is) effusive in his praise for Kyle Duggar, I got to imagine some general manager out there is probably going to take him late second, early third.”

131. Troy Dye, LB, Oregon

The 6-foot-4, 226-pound linebacker tallied 84 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions for the Ducks as a senior in 2019.

An excellent athlete with range, he has room to grow diagnosing and reacting to blocking schemes, and he’s also a bit on the tall and thin side.

Wolf’s reaction: “The problem is, if you haven’t put weight on now, why not? “

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