Why Arizona's Extra First-Round Pick is Still Valuable
It's borderline shocking with what's happened to the Arizona Cardinals' extra first-round pick via the Houston Texans, as what was once considered to be a top 10 lock is now going to be a pick between 25 and 32 thanks to Houston's success in the postseason.
It can be tough looking back on that fateful trade made on draft night - though it's one you make every time given the circumstances. And yes - there is a lot of good things that can still give Cardinals fans hope despite the less than desirable outcome:
1. When is the last time Arizona had two first-round picks?
2003 - where Arizona selected Bryant Johnson and Calvin Pace - not exactly All-Stars but solid players - particularly Pace. Enjoy it fans: Arizona may not have another two shots in the first round for a while.
2. The Cardinals very likely get another starter
Maybe not a "blue chip" player as the Cardinals would have hoped, but likely a quality starter (in a DEEP draft class) for a team that overachieved without many of those last year. This just adds to the talent that the staff can work with.
3. Jonathan Gannon and new culture has been set
The players clearly play hard and want to win - the team itself just did not have as much talent. That changes this year and in this draft.
4. Monti Ossenfort and Dave Sears can still find talent to fit a need
Look what Arizona's front office did with just eight picks last year. Now, they may do some wheeling and dealing but as it stands they have three picks from 1-35, which is more than last year. The Cardinals got two starters in Paris Johnson Jr. and BJ Ojulari - and this year there's potential to add three more in the early stages of the draft.
To play this out practically, here are a few players that could or should be there in the late 20's that would be immediate starters currently: Troy Fautanau, Jordan Morgan, Amarius Mims, Adonai Mitchell, Graham Barton, Chop Robinson, Bralen Trice, Kalen King, Quinyon Mitchell, Ennis Rakestraw Jr - just to name a few.
Any of them would be starters right now in the desert.
In the latest PFF mock draft these players were left for picks 25-32: Quinyon Mitchell, Brian Thomas Jr, Troy Fautanau, Bralen Trice, Troy Franklin, Jordan Morgan, Graham Barton and Leonard Taylor.
In the PFF mock draft engine - at pick 25 - top 10 regardless of position during one mock draft, as yet another example: Amarius Mims, Bralen Trice, Troy Franklin, Jordan Morgan, Kamren Kitchens, Tyler Nubin, Ladd McKonkey, Kamari Lassiter, Leonard Taylor and Devontez Walker.
All are suitable. No need to panic.
Scenarios for the pick
1. Trade up. The Cardinals have the ammo, for example, two extra third-round picks to trade up to get an OT, WR or defensive stud that falls (Jared Verse maybe as an example) to the early 20s.
2. Trade for a player. There's a few options here: Jaire Alexander (not likely), Brian Burns (sign-and-trade) are examples.
3. Stick and pick. Build through the draft. This is the most likely. Everything points to this - building through the draft and some free agency the right way with the right culture.
So to sum everything up - all hope is not lost, Cardinals fans. Have faith and enjoy this offseason.
