Round 1, Pick 16- Zaven Collins (LB, Tulsa)

Arizona GM Steve Keim continues the build of the defense from last year’s draft. Pairing the award winning collegiate Collins with 2020 first round pick Isaiah Simmons. The linebacker position is considered a strength to the Cardinals leading me to question why they’d go that direction with their first pick. Regardless, I expect Collins to get many chances to make an impact for the team

Round 2, Pick 49- Rondale Moore (WR, Purdue)

The theme of drafting players who resemble guys already on their team continues in round two. Moore has an eerily similar build to current wide receivers Andy Isabella and Christian Kirk. Where Moore can separate himself from the other two is his game changing speed. If Moore can create space in NFL secondaries and maintain a clean bill of health, he could earn more time on the field than his comrades.

Round 4, Pick 136- Marco Wilson (CB, Florida)

Arizona addresses the position I felt they needed the most and in my opinion it’s too little, too late. Wilson is a solid player who made plays against some NFL bound talent in the SEC, while also costing his team in big moments due to his short fuse and lengthy injury history. Wilson will get plenty of shots to nab a starting gig this season with cornerback being so thin for the Cardinals.

Round 6, Pick 136- Victor Dimukeje (DE, Duke)

The Cardinals are back to the theme of drafting players who mirror recent players with this selection. Dimukeje very closely resembles the build of Haason Reddick who Arizona took with the 13th pick in the 2017 draft. While being undersized as a defensive lineman(6’1 262 lbs), Victor Dimukeje proved his pass rush ability in college, totaling 21.5 sacks (second in school history.) If that success translates to the next level, the Cardinals have a gem on their hands.

Round 6, Pick 223- Tay Gowan (CB, UCF)

The best thing about this late round selection is that he won’t be seeing much playing time right away. He’ll have an opportunity to learn exactly where he fits with his new team while adjusting to life in the NFL

Round 7, Pick 243- James Wiggins (S, Cincinnati)

A nice insurance policy for Arizona. They allow a talented safety to sit behind proven veterans and learn the differences between college and pro football.

Round 7, Pick 247- Michal Menet (C, Penn State)

Another select as stash draft pick for Arizona. They’ll likely squeeze Menet in behind All-Pro lineman Rodney Hudson until he’s ready to see action.

Overall Grade: C-

Key Departures: CB-Patrick Peterson, LB-Haason Reddick, RB-Kenyan Drake, K-Zane Gonzales

Key Additions: DL-JJ Watt, WR-AJ Green, C-Rodney Hudson, S-Shawn Williams, K-Matt Prater

Season outlook

Arizona will be looking to build on the improvements made last season en route to an 8-8 campaign. I believe match-ups with the AFC South and the NFC North should provide them with enough favorable match-ups that they’ll make a playoff push while also boasting enough contenders to have the Cardinals battle tested by the time the postseason rolls around. I expect big things from this high powered offense and re-tooled defense.

Predicted record: 10-7