Re-Drafting the Arizona Cardinals' 2021 Draft
The Arizona Cardinals' draft history hasn't been great under former general manager Steve Keim, but his 2021 NFL Draft class at least matches his criteria of "meh, it could've been worse."
But we aren't here to continue settling for Keim's mediocrity. Rather, we're here to re-draft Keim's draft classes to make up for his shortcomings and better the Cardinals.
Today, we will be looking at the 2021 NFL Draft that saw the Cardinals with some great draft capital that, as of now, looks well wasted. I am here to fix those mistakes.
Before we get started, I am noting now that these re-drafts don't go together in the sense of stacking them. Rather, these classes are re-drafted individually and will not affect each other. So, if you see me drafting multiple positions in each draft (hint, this will likely come into play with positions like quarterback) that is the reason why.
One last thing, I will be linking the previous re-drafts at the top of each of these pieces so you can catch up on previous drafts you missed out on.
Now then, let's get started already!
Previous Re-Drafts:
Round 1
Pick 16: Zaven Collins, Linebacker
Collins definitely took a step forward in year two after hardly seeing the field as a rookie. The Tulsa product finished third on the team in tackles with a flat 100 plus two sacks and a pick-six to his resume. Still, he wasn't perfect and there is still plenty of room to improve. That said, if Collins keeps taking steps forward this will look more like a hit than a miss.
Redo pick: Jaelan Phillips, Edge, Miami Dolphins (originally pick 18)
The Cardinals drafted Collins despite spending a top-10 pick on Isaiah Simmons just one year prior. They did this knowing that the edge rushing group needed depth and youth and passed on Phillips, who has been productive with 15.5 sacks and is an important piece of the Dolphins' defense. His presence would be more than welcomed given the Cardinals' pass-rushing woes.
Round 2
Pick 49: Rondale Moore, Wide Receiver
Moore is a classic example of small, injured receivers in college staying injured in the pros. He looks dynamic when he does get an opportunity to play, but Moore has missed a whopping 12 games in just two seasons. He's a stud when he's on the field, but calling him unreliable is an understatement.
Redo pick: Nick Bolton, Linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs (originally pick 58)
Bolton would be an upgrade over Collins and the Cardinals get him an entire round later. The undersized Missouri product already has 292 career tackles and is part of the lifeforce of the Chiefs' defense. This is a slam-dunk redraft pick.
Round 4
Photo: Alex Weiner, Sports Illustrated
Pick 136: Marco Wilson, Cornerback
Wilson has been a quality cornerback for the Cardinals and showed off some serious moxie on the outside. He was heavily relied upon in 2022 due to the plethora of injuries the defense dealt with, but he nonetheless remained reliable and a core piece of the unit.
Redo pick: No change
While he is nowhere near shutdown status, Wilson was one of the better defensive backs for the Cardinals in 2022. If Byron Murphy departs in Free Agency, Wilson will be slotted as a full-time starter in 2023, where he could blossom into a stud. Based on the upward trajectory, this is our first redraft selection that won't change.
Round 6
Pick 210: Victor Dimukeje, Edge
Dimukeje has yet to make an impact for the Cardinals, but that can't be a reasonable expectation in two seasons for a sixth-round pick. Dimukeje did have 17 tackles this past season, but he has yet to record his first career sack.
Redo pick: Khalil Herbert, Running Back, Chicago Bears (originally pick 217)
The Cardinals had quite the stable of running backs in 2022, but Herbert would've been an awesome player and potential starter for the team. Herbert has looked like the best Bears running back the last two seasons, rushing for nearly 1,200 yards and scoring seven times. Herbert would be a terrific change-of-pace option behind James Conner.
Pick 223: Tay Gowan, Cornerback
Gowan's most notable importance with the Cardinals was his inclusion in the trade that ultimately sent Zach Ertz to Arizona. Gowan did not record a single statistic with the Cardinals.
Redo pick: Trey Smith, Offensive Guard, Kansas City Chiefs (originally pick 226)
The Chiefs' offensive line quickly went from a liability to a strength and Smith was a major part of that improvement. Smith has played and started 26 games for the team and has looked like one of the biggest steals from the 2021 NFL Draft. He would surely be one of the best linemen for the Cardinals.
Round 7
Pick 243: James Wiggins, Safety
Wiggins is not with the Cardinals and spent his rookie season between the practice squad and injured reserve. He is currently with the Green Bay Packers.
Redo pick: Ben Skowronek, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Rams (originally pick 249)
Many playfully called Skowronek the RC Cola version of Cooper Kupp for various (and predictable) reasons, but he has quietly put together a solid NFL career for being a seventh-round selection. In an injury-marred season for the Rams, Skowronek tallied 38 receptions for 373 yards and added a 17-yard rushing touchdown. He isn't great, but he would be crucial depth to the Cardinals' wide receiver room.
Pick 247: Michal Menet, Center
Menet barely made the practice squad for the Cardinals in 2021 before being cut in December. He is currently a member of the Seattle Sea Dragons XFL team.
Redo pick: Alaric Jackson, Offensive Tackle, Los Angeles Rams (originally undrafted)
Jackson has been crucial depth for the Rams and has seen some playing time due to injuries along the offensive line. He may not be elite, but he would still have a role with the Cardinals that Menet never seized.
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