The Arizona Cardinals find themselves in a challenging position heading into the 2021 NFL draft. After finishing the 2020 season with an 8-8 record, the Cardinals are stuck in the middle of the league, not quite good enough to be considered contenders, but also not bad enough to secure a top draft pick. This leaves the team with a difficult decision to make when it comes to their No. 16 overall pick. How will they use it, and who should they avoid in the first round?
The Cardinals have made some significant strides over the past few seasons under the leadership of head coach Kliff Kingsbury and quarterback Kyler Murray. However, there are still some major holes to fill on the roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. With that in mind, the Cardinals must make the most of their first-round pick to continue moving in the right direction.
One potential option for the Cardinals in the first round is to address their need for a pass rusher. Chandler Jones, who has been a dominant force for the Cardinals, will be returning from injury, but the team could use more depth and youth at the position. Two top pass rushers in this year’s draft class are Gregory Rousseau from the University of Miami and Jaelan Phillips from the University of Miami. Both players have shown flashes of greatness and could provide an immediate impact for the Cardinals’ defense.
Another area of need for the Cardinals is the secondary, specifically at cornerback. Patrick Peterson, who has been a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ defense for years, departed in free agency, leaving a massive void in the defensive backfield. The team could look to address this need by selecting a player like Caleb Farley from Virginia Tech or Jaycee Horn from the University of South Carolina. Both players have the speed, size, and skills to make an impact in the NFL and could be a solid pick for the Cardinals at No. 16.
However, as the old saying goes, sometimes the best move is no move at all. While the Cardinals have some glaring needs, they should also consider the possibility of trading back in the first round. With such a deep draft class, there could be some valuable talent available in the later rounds. The Cardinals could take advantage of this by trading back and acquiring more draft capital to address multiple areas of need.
When it comes to who the Cardinals should avoid in the first round, two names come to mind: quarterback Mac Jones from the University of Alabama and wide receiver Rashod Bateman from the University of Minnesota. While both players have had successful college careers, they may not be the best fit for the Cardinals’ system.
Jones, who had a record-setting season for the Crimson Tide, may not have the athleticism and mobility that the Cardinals look for in their quarterbacks. Additionally, with Murray already established as the starting quarterback, using a first-round pick on another signal-caller does not seem like a wise move for the Cardinals.
Bateman, on the other hand, could be an enticing pick for the Cardinals as a big-bodied receiver with good hands and route-running ability. However, the team has other pressing needs to address in the first round, and they could find similar talent at the wide receiver position in the later rounds.
In the end, the Cardinals must focus on making the most of their No. 16 pick to continue building a competitive team. Whether that means addressing a specific position of need or trading back for more draft capital, the team must be strategic and make a smart decision. As long as they avoid reaching for players who may not be the best fit and focus on filling their most pressing needs, the Cardinals can use this pick to take a significant step forward in their journey towards becoming a top team in the NFL.
In conclusion, the Arizona Cardinals may be stuck in the middle of the NFL heading into the 2021 draft, but they have the opportunity to make a significant impact with their No. 16 pick. With a talented class of players available, the team must make a strategic decision on how to use this pick and avoid reaching for players who may not be the right fit or neglecting other pressing needs. By doing so, the Cardinals can continue on their path towards becoming a top team in the league and bring excitement and success to their devoted fanbase.
