2014 NFL mock draft: Deone Bucannon to Arizona Cardinals at No. 52

There are many mock drafters out there who believe the Arizona Cardinals will look hard at the safety position in Round 1. Jess Root of Revenge of the Birds went a different direction with his first-round pick, but now with his second-rounder, he’s landing the safety he wanted all along.

”This round could not have gone any better for Arizona. After picking a versatile pass rusher in Kony Ealy in the first round, the hope was that Bucannon would be available at 52. He has been projected in some mock drafts to be Arizona’s pick in the first round.

Arizona’s most glaring need in the secondary was at the back end, as tight end after tight end put up good game after good game. The team wanted to get longer and more athletic at strong safety. Bucannon is exactly that. He can cover and he can hit. Paired with Tyrann Mathieu, and combined with the pair of Patrick Peterson and Antonio Cromartie, will give nightmares to opposing quarterbacks. Just another piece to the newly formed #NoFlyZone.”

Those tight ends who have picked Arizona apart would hesitate working up the seam with Bucannon in coverage. He’s capable of delivering crushing hits, separating the receiver from the ball. More importantly, he can run and cover tight ends in man situations. With his physical playing style, Bucannon is also an asset against the run. After Bucannon, there is a steep drop-off in the safety class in this year’s draft. If a team like Arizona doesn’t get him in the second round, it’d be faced with far inferior talent later in the draft.

We’re well on our way to wrapping up the 2014 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft next week, when the remaining picks in the top 64 will be published by next Thursday. Have a great weekend, football fans!