2017 NFL Draft: Arizona Cardinals 7-round mock

December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) during the first quarter in the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi's Stadium. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 15, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) against the Missouri Tigers during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Caleb Brantley

Defensive Tackle, Florida

Losing Calais Campbell is devastating for the Arizona Cardinals. He was one of the best defensive players and leaders. Campbell gave them an elite pass rusher up the middle, which is hard to find. Caleb Brantley would be an excellent replacement for him.

He shares a lot of the same skills as Campbell. Much like him, Brantley lacks ideal size at just 300 pounds. However, he uses his 6-foot-3 frame efficiently to shed off pass blockers. Brantley has great explosiveness, but lacks the finishing speed necessary to get most quarterbacks. Still, the potential is definitely there. And with Chandler Jones and Markus Golden leading the rush, it’s not like Brantley will have to pursue too many quarterbacks.

The Gators product is also an above average run stopper. He’s not your traditional defensive tackle, but he has the athleticism to give offensive lines fits. Brantley could also make it as a defensive end if he lacks the size to be an ideal defensive tackle. To contend in 2017, the Arizona Cardinals have to replace Campbell. Brantley might be the defensive tackle best suited to do so. Arizona lacks depth at the position as well, so drafting him makes a lot of sense.

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