Monday, August 24, 2020

Arizona Cardinals Mock Draft Roundup, 2.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Arizona Cardinals Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Arizona Cardinals from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in August 2020 mock drafts for the Cardinals:

Rotoworld - Thor Nystrom (8/21)

15. Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

Moore is one of the most explosive playmakers we've seen in college football over the past two seasons. He would be a dream come true in Kliff Kingsbury's Air Raid, a lightning-fast athlete who can explode to the end zone from anywhere on the field. If Larry Fitzgerald moves on after this season, the Cardinals could move forward with a receiver group of DeAndre Hopkins-Moore-Christian Kirk-Andy Isabella-KeeSean Johnson-Hakeem Butler, a strong group with complimenting skill sets for QB Kyler Murray.

PFF - Mike Renner (8/19)

15. Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

Not even 20 years old yet, Pitts' 649 receiving yards led a Florida team that had three wide receivers drafted a season ago. While Kliff Kingsbury's offense routinely eschews the tight end position entirely, Pitts bridges the gap between tight end and receiver. If you evaluated him solely as the latter, he'd be close to a first-round talent in his own right.

The Draft Network - Kyle Crabbs (8/19)

12. Creed Humphrey, IOL, Oklahoma

2019 top pick Kyler Murray endured a lot of pressure last season and there's little doubt the offensive line needs to get better, even if 2020 third-round tackle Josh Jones is a hit. Humphrey in the middle to anchor the line for his former teammate makes too much sense to pass up here.

Pro Football Network - Oliver Hodgkinson (8/16)

9. Creed Humphrey, IOL, Oklahoma

The Arizona Cardinals addressed the defensive side of the ball during last year's draft, with Isaiah Simmons as the jewel in their draft class crown. With several offensive linemen set to hit free agency ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cardinals could seek further protection for franchise quarterback Kyler Murray, while keeping one eye on replacing legendary wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

A 6'5'', 316 pounds, behemoth of a man, Creed Humphrey has put his size and strength to great use as the anchor of what is consistently one of the best offensive lines in college football. A former high school wrestler, Humphrey uses those skills to dominate at the line of scrimmage and also has the football intelligence to help direct the rest of the offensive line.

ESPN - Todd McShay (8/12)

10. Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Before he decided to return to Tuscaloosa for his senior year, Smith was generating first-round buzz last fall. It isn't easy to make 68 catches for 1,256 yards and 14 scores when A) your star QB misses a chunk of the season, and B) your wide receiver room also includes Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and Jaylen Waddle. But Smith did it, thanks in part to his explosive burst off the line, crisp route running, sneaky speed and excellent hands. In this scenario, he'd share Kyler Murray's targets with DeAndre Hopkins, Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk and others, but with coach Kliff Kingsbury looking to use more four-WR sets and Smith's experience carving out a niche, he'd be a good fit and future No. 2 opposite Hopkins in the desert.

The Draft Network - Jordan Reid (8/10)

15. Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State

The center of the team's attention should focus on how general manager Steve Keim can help place Kyler Murray in the best environment possible. Already making significant strides in that department by acquiring All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins, the next phase could include building a formidable offensive front. Davis gives the team a plug-and-play guard that can protect the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year for many years to come.

Pro Football Network - Matthew Valdovinos (8/9)

9. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

Farley was the first of the high profile draft prospects to opt-out of playing this season to focus on the NFL Draft. I have no real qualms with his decision, as I believe he's already a top-15 prospect in the class.

Farley has dominant physical tools. He's a great athlete with excellent length and size. His ball skills are excellent, and his click-and-close ability is close to the level of last year's CB1, Okudah. Farley's not nearly the polished prospect Okudah was, but his upside might be higher.

The Draft Network - Joe Marino (8/3)

15. Creed Humphrey, IOL, Oklahoma

How perfect would this be? Arizona making a meaningful investment on the offensive line and doing so with Kyler Murray's center at Oklahoma in 2018 would be a wise move.

Humphrey is a physical run-blocker that is a wall in pass protection. He is excellent blocking on the move and would be an asset to Arizona with his range. Humphrey is experienced in an up-tempo system and his experience making line calls will only help in Murray's development.

Previous update: Arizona Cardinals Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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