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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Sep 24, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon (23) intercepts the ball against Oregon Ducks wide receiver Darren Carrington II (7) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

Ahkello Witherspoon

Cornerback, Colorado

The Arizona Cardinals lost an important member of the secondary when Marcus Cooper signed with the Chicago Bears. He put up four interceptions in 2016. Justin Bethel was the lone Cardinals corner other than Patrick Peterson and Cooper to get an interception last season. Arizona must draft a starting corner in the draft and Ahkello Witherspoon makes a ton of sense.

At 6-foot-3, he has the ideal size Arians likes to see in his corners. Witherspoon can shut down the bigger receivers while Peterson can lock down the faster receivers. The Colorado product can also hold his own against faster receivers, as he has exceptional speed. Witherspoon’s frame and 33 inch arm length should help him make a lot of plays in the NFL.

Colorado’s secondary was amazing in 2016. Witherspoon was a huge part of it, even though he only got one interception. He often got asked to shut down the other team’s top receiver and he rarely failed. Witherspoon should thrive opposite Peterson. He needs to add more to his run defense, notching just 23 tackles in 2016.

However, Witherspoon is the best fit among the cornerback prospects for the Arizona Cardinals. Kevin King would be a great second round target, but he might not be available and Brantley is a must draft guy.

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