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NFL Mock Draft 2017: Defense rules early

By Brad Weiss

Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patrick Mahomes - NFL Draft
Sep 29, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) drops back to pass against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patrick Mahomes II

QB, Texas Tech

The Arizona Cardinals missed out on the playoffs last season, only a year removed from playing in the NFC Championship Game. They struggled to play consistent football all season, and will be one of those teams who is much improved next season. Starting quarterback Carson Palmer is back for another season, and star running back David Johnson may be the best in the NFL at his position as both a runner, and pass catcher.

After Palmer, there is nothing much on the depth chart at quarterback, which makes their pick at No. 13 very interesting. For months, it appeared that Deshaun Watson and Mitchell Trubisky would be the first two quarterbacks off the board, likely followed by DeShone Kizer. However, we like Patrick Mahomes II to be the second quarterback taken in the NFL Draft, as his physical ability is just too good to pass up.

Mahomes is not ready to be an NFL starter, which makes the selection by the Cardinals so perfect. He can learn behind one of the better veteran quarterbacks in the league, giving him the opportunity to be very good once he gets the starting job. The Cardinals are going to be a good team next season, and if Palmer does get injured, they can turn to a guy who can make every throw at the next level.

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