The only thing I've spent more on time than reading bar graphs related to Covid-19 the last month has been NFL Mock Drafts.
I've reached the point of my mock draft addiction that I don't even have time for just single round mock drafts. If its not at least three rounds, its not worth my time. Thats the lie I tell myself anyway while still clicking every mock draft on planet Earth.
Seven round mock drafts are particularly satisfying for draftomaniacs like myself but also kind of ridiculous. After three rounds or so, its just turns into reading names on a page with zero context. If its impossible to predict the top 10 of the draft, what does that make a full seven rounder?
So instead of a typical mock draft, I thought I'd offer a positional mock draft. Instead of players, I'm going to project what position the Cardinals should take for every pick. Obviously every team and fan wants to draft the single best player available but thats usually only possible with hindsight.
Here, Ill project which positions the Cardinals should prioritize in what parts of the draft. Without further ado, here's my positional mock draft.
1st (8th): Right Tackle - The Cardinals are going to be tempted by CeeDee Lamb and a blue chip defensive player but I'd hold steady and build their line. Right now, its the only positional group they have not upgraded. In fact, after re-signing DJ Humphries the only new starter right now would be Mason Cole at center. Thats not good enough for a team flirting with playoff expectations. Avoid temptation and deliver Kyler Murray from pass rushing evil.
3rd (72): Defensive Line - Staying true to my Build the Lines platform, here the Cardinals stock up on the other side. They added Jordan Phillips in free agency and drafted Zach Allen in the third round last year but still have work to do. Can the Cardinals find a long term replacement for run stuffing big man Corey Peters? This is the round to find out.
4th (114): Wide Receiver - Last year the Cardinals pounced on a talented WR prospect who slipped to the fourth round in Hakeem Butler. An injury ended his season in training camp but lets not forget that before the injury, he was well behind KeeSean Johnson and Andy Isabella and that's saying something. Last week, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said the WR pool was so deep in this year's draft, you could land an impact player in round 5. No need to wait that late, the Cardinals could pounce on a future starter at WR here.
4th (131): Cornerback - As my mama used to always say, you can never have too many corners. Last year was a perfect example as multiple deep roster CB's were thrust into action because of suspensions and injury. On paper, the Cardinals are set with P2, Robert Alford and Byron Murphy. But P2 isn't locked up long term and Alford will be 32 next season and is coming off missing an entire year due to injury. This pick is about depth for next year.
6th (202): Running Back - Chris Carson, Aaron Jones, Marlon Mack and Phillip Lindsay are all starting RB's drafted in the fourth round or later in recent years. The Cardinals are relatively set at the position in 2020 with Kenyan Drake and Chase Edmonds. But this offense is gonna need a steady supply of RB's for the foreseeable future. This late in the draft, let head coach Kliff Kingsbury fall in love all over again and take the best back on the board.
7th (222): Offensive Line - Start the draft with a hog molly and end the draft with a hog molly. This is Sean Kugler's time to shine. Small school OT? Undersized OG? Overlooked C? Time for offensive line coach Kugler to work his magic and find a diamond in the rough.