The first week of free agency has perhaps changed how NFL teams will handle things in the NFL draft next month. ESPN’s Mel Kiper has a new mock draft with projections after trades and free agent signings.
How do things turn out for the Arizona Cardinals with the 23rd overall pick?
He has the Cardinals going with Georgia defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.
Arizona let edge rusher Chandler Jones and wide receiver Christian Kirk leave for big deals in free agency, and it hasn’t added many external free agents so far. It could go a few different ways with this pick, including at wide receiver, which suddenly looks barren, and offensive line.
The Cardinals could be a fit for Jordan Davis if he makes it here, but his former Georgia teammate, Wyatt, could be a nice pick, too. The 305-pound tackle had a great workout at the combine, and he impressed NFL scouts at the Senior Bowl. He had only five sacks in four seasons, but I think he could put up better numbers in the right pro scheme. He’ll help take some pressure off J.J. Watt.
General manager Steve Keim loves an athletic defensive tackle. He drafted Robert Nkemdiche. He really liked Quinnen Williams and Derrick Brown.
Also on the board are Boston College guard Zion Johnson and Purdue pass rusher George Karlaftis. All would fit what the Cardinals need.
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