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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jess Root

Cardinals take QB in 2nd round of new 2-round mock draft

The Arizona Cardinals will have three selections in the first two rounds of the NFL draft in April. The one position that figures not to be in the cards is quarterback, as they are all in with Kyler Murray.

But what if they want to hedge their bet?

In a new two-round mock draft by Curt Popejoy for Draft Wire, the Cardinals go with three offensive players with their first three picks, including a quarterback in the second round.

 

Round 1, pick No. 4: LSU WR Malik Nabers

Malik Nabers 8 as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 25, 2023.

In this mock draft, the Chicago Bears select Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. first overall. That might ruin the Cardinals’ plan.

That said, Nabers is 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds and was very productive. LSU receivers translate well to the NFL. He had 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

From Popejoy:

The Cardinals are in so deep with Kyler Murray in terms of money, that we want to see them invest him him and wide receiver Malik Nabers is the next great NFL wide out from LSU.

Round 1, pick No. 27: Arizona OL Jordan Morgan

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

At No. 27, taking an offensive lineman makes sense.

From Popejoy:

The Cardinals are in rebuild mode and Jordan Morgan has the upside to developed into a quality starting left tackle.

The Cardinals don’t believe they are in a full rebuild. The rebuild started last season. The Cardinals don’t likely need Morgan to become a left tackle since Paris Johnson will likely be that guy. Morgan could be added at tackle or at guard.

Round 2, pick No. 35 overall: Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

This is the pick that doesn’t make sense.

If the Cardinals have doubts about Murray (they don’t), they could get one of the best quarterbacks in the draft in the first round. Taking McCarthy is a hedge but is a wasted pick when they have a roster full of holes they need to address.

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