Arizona Cardinals Mock Draft: Final 7-Round Predictions
We've finally made it to the 2015 NFL draft. Months of speculation, rumors and smoke screens have been fun, but the truth is about to come out. To celebrate, we’ve created a final seven-round mock draft for the Arizona Cardinals.
This mock draft is meant to be predictive based off team needs, drafting history and the overall class structure. I used Fanspeak.com’s draft simulator and CBS Sports’ big board to help keep things as realistic as possible. CBS has done a good job of projecting the ranges of where players will be selected in the past.
Trades were not projected in this mock since they’re impossible to predict accurately.
Who would you like to see the Cardinals select in the 2015 draft? Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Round 1
1 of 7No. 24: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, EDGE, UCLA
There were some interesting choices on the board for the 24th overall pick, but the best investment available was UCLA edge-rusher Owamagbe Odighizuwa. The former Bruin plays a premium position that the Cardinals need immediate help at, so he got the nod despite solid talent at cornerback and running back being present.
At 6’3”, 267 pounds, Odighizuwa is a spitting image of Tennessee Titans pass-rusher Brian Orakpo. They each lack great bend, instead relying on excellent speed to get by defenders and ridiculously good hands to shed blockers. Their power also helps them be effective in the run game.
Odighizuwa played with his hand in the dirt at UCLA, but his best fit is standing up in the NFL. His ability to slide down on run plays and eat blocks is a nice plus for the Cardinals defense, but it won't be a full-time role. Allowing Odighizuwa to pin his ears back off the edge is what will produce the most pressure, so that’s where he projects best.
Round 2
2 of 7
No. 55: Eric Rowe, CB, Utah
Finding Utah cornerback Eric Rowe available late in the second round would be a major coup for the Cardinals. Not only is Rowe ideal because of his 6’1”, 205-pound frame, but he also has experience in press coverage as a cornerback and safety. That versatility can always benefit a defense as creative as Arizona’s.
Rowe projects as a solid second cornerback for the Cardinals. He has smooth enough hips to turn and run with receivers and possesses great ball skills. More promising is Rowe’s upside, as he spent just one season playing cornerback at Utah and was quite impressive.
It’s difficult to find standout cornerbacks much later than the end of the second round, so Rowe was too good to pass up. He can impact the Cardinals defense right away and removes the position from the list of remaining needs.
Round 3
3 of 7
No. 86: Henry Anderson, DE, Stanford
Here’s where Arizona’s deep and talented roster pays off. Defensive line isn’t a major need for the Cardinals, but a long-term starter needs to be developed to replace defensive end Frostee Rucker. With Stanford’s Henry Anderson on the board, this is a great luxury pick.
Anderson is a powerful 5-technique that instantly fits with Arizona. His role wouldn’t change, as he’s used to eating blocks when necessary, then attacking other times. He also shows excellent hand technique in his trench battles.
Anderson may not play much in Year 1. His lower body looks and plays like a twig, so he ends up on the ground quite often. He needs a year in the weight room to bulk up so he can withstand the NFL’s grind.
Long-term, Anderson is a high-upside player that can be an excellent starter. He already has great athleticism and technique, and his size will inevitably increase after being in the NFL.
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Round 4
4 of 7
No. 123: Mike Davis, RB, South Carolina
A benefit of the 2015 draft class is that a great power back can be had on Day 3. Usually, South Carolina’s Mike Davis would be off the board by now, but the deep running back class pushed him down to the 123rd overall pick. This is a tremendous value.
Davis struggled with injuries in 2014, but he had an amazing career for the Gamecocks. He totaled 2,440 yards and a 5.4-yard-per-carry average; his “down” 2014 campaign featured a 4.9-yard-per-carry average and nine touchdowns.
Although Davis isnt the star to steal the show, he is a great complement to starter Andre Ellington. When the Cardinals need to get those last few yards for a first down to close out the game, Davis is well-qualified for that job. His low center of gravity and pad level help him work for extra yards.
It’s hard to see Davis busting in the NFL. He’s tough, quick, powerful and has great vision. At the very least, expect him to be an effective rotation piece for the next five years.
Round 5
5 of 7
No. 159: Laurence Gibson, OT, Virginia Tech
At this point in the draft, the Cardinals can take a flier on a high-upside developmental player. Offensive tackle Laurence Gibson doesn’t fill a need for 2015, but he could be groomed to replace right tackle Bobby Massie in 2016. At 6’6” and 305 pounds, Gibson is an excellent athlete for the position.
What Gibson needs is time. His natural movement skills are there, but he doesn’t have great timing with his punch or the bulk needed to anchor. These aren’t fatal flaws, as an NFL weight program will fix his bulk problem and coaching will help his punch.
If Massie is re-signed, then Gibson instantly becomes a valuable backup that is capable of playing either tackle spot. Swing tackles are major assets, especially on cheap contracts.
Round 6
6 of 7
No. 198: Jeff Luc, ILB, Cincinnati
The 6’1”, 256-pound linebacker that was once a 5-star recruit has come full circle with his career. Jeff Luc was nearly a recruiting bust before he revived his career at Cincinnati, and he then had a monstrous Senior Bowl to really boost his stock.
The Cardinals need a young linebacker to groom. Veteran Sean Weatherspoon is talented, but he's had a worrisome injury history recently. The other projected starter, Kevin Minter, hasn’t shown that he can handle the full-time gig moving forward. At the very least, another option needs to be added for depth purposes.
Luc is a hammer when he recognizes run plays. I feel bad for offensive guards that have to block him. He’s a thick, compact player that is all muscle. He enjoys slamming through blockers, too.
He’s limited with his coverage, as his hips are tight, but for a sixth-round pick, Arizona is a getting a two-down contributor with a solid skill set.
Round 7
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No. 241: Jarvis Harrison, OG, Texas A&M
No. 256: Junior Sylvestre, OLB, Toledo
With two seventh-round selections, the Cardinals can afford to take two fliers. These two players couldn’t be more different with their qualifications, though.
Texas A&M guard Jarvis Harrison is a Swiss army knife along the offensive line. He’s played tackle, guard and center, is a polished player and will be able to play right away.
However, Harrison does have character issues, and that’s why he fell so far. According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Harrison has conditioning issues and may not love football. That’s an issue, but his talent is still worth this minor risk.
On the other hand is Toledo linebacker Junior Sylvestre. The former Rocket is a bit undersized, but he can fly around the field. His true position likely lies as an inside linebacker in a 3-4, but he can back up hybrid defender Deone Bucannon.
Sylvestre is a high-character player that plays his tail off every down. His ability to impact the Cardinals on special teams could make him a late-round stud that impacts the third facet of football games.
All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Draft Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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