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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense rules the day

By Brad Weiss

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) drops back to pass against the University of Texas Longhorns in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) drops back to pass against the University of Texas Longhorns 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

Many believe the second quarterback off the board will be either Deshaun Watson or Mitchell Trubisky, as they are rated No. 1 and 2 on most boards. However, we like Patrick Mahomes II to head to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 13, putting him in a perfect situation to be a successful quarterback down the line. Mahomes has been rocketing up the draft boards this draft season, and at No. 13, the Cardinals just may lock up the quarterback position for the next ten years.

During his time at Texas Tech, Mahomes threw the ball a lot, thanks to the pass-happy offense run by former collegiate quarterback, Kliff Kingsberry. That has actually hurt Mahomes leading up to the draft, as some wonder if he has the footwork to be successful at the next level. The bottom line is he has the arm strength to make all the throws, and scouts have been drooling over his accuracy during the combine, and his Pro Day.

The Cardinals are set to make a run this season, as starting quarterback Carson Palmer is back for one more go. Running back David Johnson is one of the best backs in football, and veteran wideout Larry Fitzgerald does not seem to age. Mahomes would be heading into a perfect situation in Arizona, and as an organization that does not have to have him start right away, the Cards could groom him to be their franchise quarterback once Palmer hangs it up for good.

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