Who Cardinals, Fans Should Watch in College Football Playoffs
There's a lot to watch in the final weeks of the Arizona Cardinals' season.
However, there is much interest in the College Football Playoffs that begins tonight - and rightfully so. For the first time in quite some time, Arizona comes armed with well over 10 draft picks (13 as of now) thanks to some wheeling and dealing from general manager Monti Ossenfort.
Who should Cardinals fans be watching in the two playoff games?
Washington vs Texas
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
We will start off with probably the most interesting prospect for Cards fans. For starters, Odunze is well worth the top 10 hype he's been getting. He's tall, a good route runner, tough, a team captain, catches everything - well, you get the idea.
In most drafts, he's the number one wide receiver on the board.
So why should Arizona fans be watching him? For one main reason - if Arizona does not get Marvin Harrison Jr wherever they pick, Odunze, maybe even more so than Malik Nabers, would be a great fit alongside quarterback Kyler Murray.
Troy Fautanu, T/G, Washington
If there is another prospect from either game that would fit what Arizona is trying to do offensively, it may be Fautanu. He's currently Washington's left tackle, but many internet draft pundits project him to move to guard.
Either would suit Arizona long term, so keep an eye on this Husky throughout the game, especially considering...
T'Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II, DTs, Texas
Possibly the best one-two punch at defensive tackle in the nation, both Longhorns grade out as potentially very late Day 1 picks, Day 2 picks at worst. That is despite Murphy's "lack of size" and Sweat being considered a nose tackle.
They both have some of the highest pass and run defense grades from PFF, and either (or both!) would be great selections to help Arizona's defense.
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Given Arizona's recent wide receiver issues, if Arizona does not get Harrison Jr (or even if they do!), Adonai Mitchell is another tall, quick but good route-running wide receiver. He could still be there for Arizona's round two pick.
Michigan v Alabama
Dallas Turner/Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
The Cardinals have needs all along the defensive front, and two of the best both happen to play for the Crimson Tide. Turner seems to be a first round lock and is considered by many to be the best edge player in the draft.
Braswell came in as a five-star recruit and is still learning the position - though this year seems to have made big strides. He could also go as high as later in round one.
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
If Arizona wants to move on from D.J. Humphries (which seems less likely given the many needs elsewhere), Latham could make sense with their second first-round pick. He's a high floor right tackle that could allow Paris Johnson Jr. to switch over to the left side.
Kool-Aid McKinstry/Terrion Arnold, CBs, Alabama
If there's another glaring need for Arizona, it's at cornerback, and like with the edge position, two of the best happen to play for the Tide.
McKinstry has "fallen" off a bit since being considered a top 10 lock but is still considered by many to be the safest cornerback in the draft.
Arnold has been a late riser and some think he could go late in round 1.
Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
The son of a former NFL player, Jenkins is a great run defender who Is still working on his pass rush moves that could go on Day 2.
Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
Sainristil just keeps making plays for the Wolverines, which would have to catch the eye of someone like Jonathan Gannon. Yes, Arizona has Garrett Williams, but you can never have too many talented pieces in the secondary, and Sainristil, due to his size, may not come off the board until Day 3.
