It is the second-to-last mock draft Saturday and, for the Arizona Cardinals, we still focus on trading the third overall pick in the draft.
In this simulation, the Atlanta Falcons want to draft quarterback Anthony Richardson so they move up from pick No. 8. The Cardinals net a first-round pick in 2024 and also make two trades back in the second round as well.
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TRADE!
Cardinals trade No. 3 pick to Falcons
Cardinals receive No. 8 pick, No. 44 pick (Round 2), 2024 first-round pick
This is perfect. The Cardinals move back a few, get an extra pick on Day 2 and a first-round pick in 2024.
Round 1 (No. 8 pick): Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez
Gonzalez has all the traits of an elite corner. He has size, speed, athleticism and on-ball production in his final season at Oregon. He is a premium pick at a premium position.
Round 2 (No. 34 pick): Kansas State EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah
The Cardinals get a pass rusher in the second round. He is 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds. Over the last two seasons, he had 19.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss. He is described as having good bend and he has long arms.
TRADE!
Cardinals trade No. 44 pick (from Falcons) to Patriots
Cardinals receive No. 46 pick, No. 117 pick (Round 4), 2024 sixth-round pick
The Cardinals add a Day 3 pick and another for next year to only move back two spots. The Pats wanted Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker.
TRADE!
Cardinals trade No. 46 pick (from Patriots) to Chargers
Cardinals receive No. 54 pick, No. 125 pick (Round 4), 2024 fourth-round pick, 2024 fifth-round pick
In three deals, the Cardinals pick up 2024 picks in the first, fourth, fifth and sixth rounds.
This is a strategic deal to get a player at better value.
Round 2 (No. 54 pick): Ohio State C Luke Wypler
Wanting to make sure the Cardinals get Wypler, a center they reportedly like a lot, they move back so the pick has value.
Wypler might be a starter from Day 1.
Round 3 (No. 66 pick): Baylor DL Siaki Ika
Here the Cardinals land size for the defensive interior, giving them a corner, pass rusher and defensive tackle in the first three rounds.
Round 3 (No. 96 pick): Auburn RB Tank Bigsby
The Cardinals have met with Bigsby.
He has 970 rushing yards and 30 receptions last season.
Round 4 (pick No. 105): Tulane LB Dorian Williams
Williams is an athletic freak but built more like a safety. He is similar to Kyzir White.
Round 4 (pick No. 117) Texas DL Moro Ojomo
We double up on the defensive line with Ojomo. He is explosive at 6-foot-2 and 292 pounds with long arms and 5.04-second 40.
Round 4 (pick No. 125) Old Dominion OL Nick Saldiveri
The Cardinals have met with Saldiveri. He played tackle in college but projects as a guard and perhaps as a center.
Round 5 (pick No. 168): Cal S Daniel Scott
The safety class is not good overall but Scott is a guy to like. He is an athletic freak — 6-foot-1, 208 pounds, 4.45-second 40, 6.75-second three-cone, 22 bench press reps of 225 pounds, 39.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-8 broad jump.
He was a four-phase special teams player. The Cardinals have loved late-round athletic defensive backs for special teams. He is a great pick here.
Round 6 (pick No. 180): West Virginia WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton
He is another freak. He is 6-foot-3 and had a 4.38-second 40, 6.97-second three-cone and 41-inch vertical.
Round 6 (pick No. 213): UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson
With the last pick, we get a developmental project quarterback.
