2024 Arizona Cardinals Mock Draft: Bolstering The Defense And Landing A Stud Back

Arizona is one of the few teams with immense draft capital, putting them in a fascinating position. As of week six, the Cardinals pick fourth and 12th, and they have a shot at a true blue chiper. I make each pick in this Arizona Cardinals mock draft by who I’d take personally. This mock draft was done using PFF’s mock draft simulator and includes trades. Use promo code TREYSCHNEIDER on Underdog Fantasy to match your deposit up to $100. Please gamble responsibly and leave your feedback on Twitter @FBIntellect.

~3-Minute Read:

Round One, Pick Seven (Trade W/ MIN) – CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

Arizona acquires: 1.7, 2.39

Minnesota acquires: 1.4, 7.25, 2025 fifth-rounder

A trade-down for Arizona just makes too much sense. I know some people out there would be pleased to get a new QB, but you have to realize Kyler is much better than the media portrays him. He not only led this team to a playoff run after they were in the cellar dweller, but he overcame a college-level coach for most of his time there. Yeah, he wasn’t good last year, but with a competent and creative play-caller, he likely proves he’s the franchise guy when he returns. For more elaboration on why Kyler is so underrated, read ‘Why Kyler Murray Is The Most Underrated NFL Player.’

Now we can talk about Kool-Aid. Arizona has an exceptional Safety duo but lacks a true number-one Corner. Kool-Aid has a good shot at becoming that, as he’s the exact athletic prototype needed to succeed in that role. He demonstrated stellar press technique and had the long speed to defend the deep ball. Additionally, his ability to accelerate and drive on the ball, paired with his ball skills, is phenomenal. He’ll be in an off-man system, so his pressing ability won’t be of much use. However, he also has the quickness and IQ to thrive in this system.

Round One, Pick 12 – DI Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

Acquiring someone like Jer’Zhan Newton would do wonders for this franchise. Arizona has struggled in run defense, and Newton would tremendously help with that. He may be undersized at 6’2″, 295 lbs, but he legitimately plays the run well. His power-explosiveness combo could lead to an elite pass rusher. He’d be a three-down player, which is exactly what Arizona needs. As of week seven, he’s racked up 84 pressures since 2022 while also flashing moments of dominance as a run defender. If both players pan out early on, this defense could become seriously competitive.

Round Two, Pick 36 – LB Barrett Carter, Clemson

With Zaven Collins and Kyzir White on the roster, it may not seem wise to invest in a Linebacker. However, Barrett Carter could grow to be better than both of those players. Carter is still a bit raw, but that’s why he doesn’t have to start immediately. His range and fluidity in coverage make him the ideal counterpart to Collins. He’ll be tasked to read the middle of the field in this system, which is where he’s at his best. This pick won’t be dividends immediately, but passing up this value in the second is hard.

Round Two, Pick 39 – HB Blake Corum, Michigan

James Conner still has some juice left, but planning for the future is always a good bet. Blake Corum can be the third down back on day one and eventually take the full-time load. He has a bit of an injury history, but it’s still nothing significant. His burst and lateral quickness are elite and could lead to a slippery guy to tackle. His third-down ability is just what Arizona needs on offense. Getting Corum in the building gives Arizona a long-term answer and opens up the running game.

Round Three, Pick 68 – OC Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia

The biggest weakness of Arizona’s offense is the Center, and Sedrick Van Pran appears to be the best one in this class. Arizona needs a Center with a good get-off and the ability to get to the second level. Van Pran can be that, as he ran mostly zone runs at Georgia and excelled doing so. He lacks length, but this hasn’t kept him from holding up in pass-pro at Georgia. Van Pran won’t be the perfect Center, but you can’t go wrong with a solid player at a needed position in the third round.

Round Two, Pick 72 – EDGE Jack Sawyer, Ohio State

Arizona doesn’t need another EDGE, but having another one in the rotation would be lovely. I have yet to watch Jack Sawyer, but from what I read about him, he seems like an ideal EDGE for Gannon’s system. At 6’4″, 265 lbs, Sawyer is reportedly an explosive and athletic EDGE. He has shown improvement from year to year, which is a good sign of his character. His bend is limited, but as long as he can develop threatening power moves, he’ll make an exceptional role player.

Round Three, Pick 76 – WR Troy Franklin, Oregon

While it would’ve been nice to get one of these true X-Receivers in this draft, the defense is more of a priority. Troy Franklin wouldn’t be an X-Receiver from day one, but he has the potential to be an outstanding deep threat. He is a tall but slender Receiver with an impressive burst off the line and long speed. His RAC skills could be put to great use by Drew Petzing, who’s a creative mind. As he can be used in the Slot and on the perimeter, Franklin would quickly have a role here from day one.