The Arizona Cardinals have to be pretty confident with their roster, especially with their offseason signings. But they can still further strengthen their team with some strategic picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. Who exactly do the Cardinals have in mind? Read on as we take a look at Arizona’s potential draft picks in the first five rounds.
There’s plenty more to check out heading into the 2016 NFL Draft. Check out our previews for the Broncos and Panthers.
Round 1: Pick #29 – DT Robert Nkemdiche – Ole Miss
NEEDS at DT: The Cardinals are in a pretty good position overall heading into the NFL Draft. They already filled in their biggest hole by acquiring Chandler Jones in a trade. They have a veteran-filled team, and would do well to inject some youth into their defensive line.
STRENGTHS: Robert Nkemdiche is an elite defensive line talent in the NFL Draft. He should be a nice acquisition amidst aging linemen in Calais Camplbell, Frostee Rucker and Red Bryant. While his off-field antics—drug possession and arrest around this year’s Sugar Bowl—are concerning, he should be kept in line on the Cardinals’ veteran-filled team.
Round 2: Pick #26 – DE Jonathan Allen – Alabama
NEEDS at DE: As mentioned above, it’s important for the Cardinals to inject some young talent into their defensive line. Their veteran linemen will eventually slow down sooner rather than later.
STRENGTHS: Jonathan Allen can be a future defensive end for the Cardinals. He’s an excellent pass rusher who can get pressure on the quarterback and get sacks. The Cardinals have a healthy injection of young pass rushers in their roster, which should put Allen in a position to fit in and grow.
Round 3: Pick #22 – CB Fabian Moreau – UCLA
NEEDS at CB: The Cardinals have a solid secondary, but they’re pretty thin at the cornerback position. They’ll need to add a quality cornerback into the roster if they are to remain competitive in the league. After all, they wouldn’t want another Hail Mary touchdown against them like what Aaron Rodgers did to force overtime in the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs.
STRENGTHS: Fabian Moreau is a long corner with the potential to grow into a solid player on the depth chart. He has the potential to be a second cornerback for the Cardinals to help keep deep threat receivers in check.
Round 4: Pick #17 – RB Kenyan Drake – Alabama
NEEDS at RB: The Cardinals had some running back depth problems in 2014. They answered by drafting David Johnson and signing Chris Johnson as a free agent the season after. Chris got injured, and it’s unlikely that he’ll get any better as a 30-year-old. David could improve more as a big, well-rounded running back. But he’s all the Cardinals may have considering starter Andre Ellington’s injury woes.
STRENGTHS: Kenyan Drake will be a great value pick in the middle rounds. He has size and can make some big plays happen much like his more heralded teammate Derrick Henry. Drake has considerably less wear and tear and could become a considerable backup with some experience among the pros.
Round 5: Pick #22 – LB Blake Martinez – Stanford
NEEDS at LB: The Cardinals already beefed up their defensive line with Robert Nkemdiche and Jonathan Allen in the first two rounds of the draft. They can further solidify their front seven by adding some talent at the linebacker position. They could certainly use more linebacker depth, especially inside.
STRENGTHS: Blake Martinez was a force inside playing for Stanford. He should also be a perfect fit for Arizona’s system coming from a very defensive-minded program in college. He may not be rated highly enough for a potential early round pick, but he has the talent to grow as an NFL player.
