NFL mock draft 2017: Quarterbacks dominate first round

The Arizona Cardinals have to start thinking about the future. After tumbling from an NFC Championship Game appearance in 2015 to a 7-8-1 mark last year, the Cardinals have real questions to answer. The defense lost plenty in the offseason with the free-agent departures of Tony Jefferson, Keith Minter and Calais Campbell, and general manager Steve Keim could aim to replace some of that jettisoned talent. Still, he has a bigger need looming with Carson Palmer at 37 years old. Palmer, who struggled much of last year, is likely looking at his less year in the desert.

With that in mind, Keim should take the quarterback with the largest upside in Patrick Mahomes. A the start of the draft process, many saw Mahomes as a second-day candidate, but his combine and pro day performances combined with increased film study of the prospect yields a raw, high-upside situation. Mahomes has one of the strongest arms to come out of college since Andrew Luck, if not the strongest. While his footwork needs major help, Mahomes has all the tools of a franchise quarterback. The Cardinals could pass on Mahomes and go with Malik McDowell or Takkarist McKinley to pair with Chandler Jones, but Mahomes represents a potential franchise player at the most important position.