The NFL draft begins this Thursday with the first round. This is the round that gets the most attention because it is the highest-profile prospects.
Many feel this draft class is stronger than last year’s because so many players opted to stay in school an extra year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, many teams view this draft class as having fewer top prospects.
Some teams have fewer than 15 players with first-round grades.
That is not the case for the Arizona Cardinals.
In his predraft press conference last week, general manager Steve Keim said they have “about 26, 27 guys” with first-round grades.
The Cardinals have the 23rd overall pick in the draft.
With some teams viewing fewer players as being worth a first-round pick, it could give the Cardinals the opportunity to trade up. It also means that the Cardinals would be willing to stand pat because someone they have a first-round grade on is guaranteed to be there at No. 23 if there are truly 26 or 27 players they grade that way.
In a draft class with a lot of uncertainty, the Cardinals believe it is stronger at the top of the draft than many other teams do.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
Latest show:
Previous shows:
and
