The Arizona Cardinals are a team that seems to be teetering. If they fall one direction, they face a big rebuild with quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald departing the team. The other direction is maintaining relevance with a young core of players that includes star running back David Johnson and defensive stalwarts Patrick Peterson and Deone Bucannon.
2017 NFL mock draft: Arizona Cardinals snag Patrick Mahomes
The third quarterback is off the board in the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock
Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Seth Cox from Revenge of the Birds is up with the pick for the Cardinals in the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft to help determine if the Cardinals will rise or fall.
13. Cardinals: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
Cox: For the Arizona Cardinals, it simply comes down to this: Do you value what you have or what you need more?
Steve Keim and Bruce Arians have talked about the quarterback position for three drafts and have taken a total of one. They even have allegedly lost out on a couple they were ready to draft.
A Mahomes and Arians marriage seems like a match made in absolute heaven. Mahomes’ athleticism and improv ability, coupled with his howitzer of a right arm, would make the Arians vertical passing attack even more potent than it has been under Palmer.
Mahomes will need some time to cook and learn how to work from under center and in the pocket consistently. But the potential is tantalizing and allows the Cardinals to hopefully bridge from Palmer without missing a beat.
Analysis: Like the Cleveland Browns, who picked right before Arizona, it’s critical that the Cardinals come out of the draft with a quarterback who can be a franchise player. The difference, and advantage, for Arizona is that the quarterback they take in the draft this year will likely get to sit for a full season behind Palmer.
While that gives the Cardinals no value in 2017, it could ensure the team doesn’t completely go into the tank for a rebuild. That’s why I think going after Mahomes instead of DeShone Kizer of Notre Dame makes sense. On a pure talent standpoint, Mahomes is the superior prospect. So if you’re going to shape a player, why not get the biggest piece of clay?
Dan’s top five players remaining
- 2. Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
- 7. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
- 9. Reuben Foster, MLB, Alabama
- 10. Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
- 15. Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
Cardinals’ picks
- 1-13: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
- 2-45: (coming April 14)
At noon ET, Bleeding Green Nation will check in representing the Philadelphia Eagles with the No. 14 pick.
See More:
