Full Cardinals 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Combine

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine will take place this week, but here's a fresh 2023 NFL mock Draft for the Arizona Cardinals.

Author:
Richie Bradshaw
Publish date:
Feb 27, 2023 10:00 AM EST

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Arizona Cardinals

With the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine kicking off this week, it feels fitting to have a pre-combine 2023 NFL mock Draft for the Arizona Cardinals.

Since our last full Cardinals mock, the team has found its head coach in Jonathan Gannon and we can begin to understand the direction that the team may want to head in. Hence, now is a good time for a new mock.

I tried out the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator for this mock for the sake of variety and let me tell you, this is a much different looking mock than what we've seen previously. Personally, I think this mock is a home run.

Not every pick is different, as you'll see with the first pick, but this is certainly a mock with players I don't usually use. So, let's hop right into it then.

Arizona Cardinals Pre-Combine Mock Draft

3. Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

The top of this mock won't deviate too much from what we are accustomed to. Carter remains an elite prospect with a legitimate shot to be the first overall pick this year should the Chicago Bears stay put. Putting him on this defensive line immediately makes the unit a borderline strength for the Cardinals.

34: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

The offensive line needs reinforcements and I genuinely believe that Free Agency will be where the Cardinals make the majority of their upgrades. That being said, Harrison is a prototype tackle at 6'5" 315lbs. and can immediately start at right tackle across from D.J. Humpries. This gives the Cardinals a set of bookend tackles for the first time in... well, maybe ever.

66: Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army

Standing at 6'7" 260lbs., Carter II is one of the biggest prospects across any position entering the 2023 NFL Draft. There are some who are worried about his enlistment, however, Congress has allowed Carter to enter the draft and he will have a chance to skyrocket up boards with some great testing Combine this week. In the third round, this looks like a steal.

96. Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M

Rumor has it Achane will be running in the 4.2 range for the 40-yard dash and if that happens it could shoot him up draft boards. Even if he doesn't, Achane is an explosive runner with prowess as a receiver and return man, as well. A jack of all trades, he gives the running back room dynamic potential.

105: Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU

Hodges-Tomlinson is an undersized cornerback at just 5'9" but he plays the position bigger than his size. He has 91 tackles, three forced fumbles, and five interceptions in the last two seasons for the Horned Frogs and was one of the team's better defenders during their run to the College Football Playoff National Championship. He won't be loved by many, but he is of great value in the fourth round.

169: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane

The Green Wave went 12-2 in 2022, including a Cotton Bowl victory over the USC Trojans and Williams was the life force of their defense. Williams eclipsed double-digit tackles eight times, including a season-high 17 tackles against the Trojans. At 6'2" 225lbs., Williams is more than fit for the next level and could find his way into an important role for the Cardinals early on.

180: Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia

Some wonder why the two-time College Football Playoff National Champion quarterback isn't being valued more, but he is likely a later draft pick due to his age and limited athleticism. Nonetheless, he is an ideal backup for any team and his addition to the Cardinals will allow them to bring Kyler Murray back slowly while finding a way to be competitive.

213: Jake Bobo, WR, UCLA

Bobo is a massive receiver at 6'5" and he broke out in his final season of college ball with the UCLA Bruins after spending four years with the Duke Blue Devils. The Cardinals lack size at the receiver spot currently, and Bobo gives whoever is throwing the rock a post-up kind of receiver.