Cardinals to pick 16th in 2021 NFL Draft after 8-8 finish
Jan 4, 2021, 8:08 AM
Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
After falling in their season finale to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals locked themselves into the 16th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The finish tied the Cardinals with the AFC West’s Las Vegas Raiders at 8-8 on the season.
Arizona earned the pick ahead of Las Vegas because of its weaker strength of schedule: Cardinals opponents had a .475 winning percentage to the Raiders’ opposition with a .539.
Now it comes down to what Cardinals general manager Steve Keim prioritizes in the first round.
He will have options. The 10-20 range of ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay’s latest mock includes two wide receivers, one running back, a center, three interior defensive linemen, one outside linebacker, one inside linebacker, a safety and a cornerback.
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Before the Wild Card round of the playoffs begins this weekend, the order of the first 18 picks in the 2021 draft goes like so:
2021 NFL Draft order
1. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15)
2. New York Jets (2-14)
3. Miami Dolphins (10-6) — Acquired via Laremy Tunsil trade with 4-12 Houston
4. Atlanta Falcons (4-12)
5. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1)
6. Philadelphia Eagles (4-11-1)
7. Detroit Lions (5-11)
8. Carolina Panthers (5-11)
9. Denver Broncos (5-11)
10. Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
11. New York Giants (6-10)
12. San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
13. Los Angeles Chargers (7-9)
14. Minnesota Vikings (7-9)
15. New England Patriots (7-8)
16. Arizona Cardinals (8-8)
17. Las Vegas Raiders (8-8)
18. Miami Dolphins (10-6)
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