Arizona Cardinals 2018 full mock draft
By Joe Romano
Round 2 – Pick 47
Chukwuma Okorafor, T, Western Michigan
After the quarterback position, next up on the list in terms of importance has got to be the tackle spot. Arizona has struggled recently in finding someone to play that position consistently. Last year’s starter D.J. Humphries was disappointing after being a first round pick in 2015. The team needs a more consistent player in that spot.
Chukwuma Okorafor out of Western Michigan would give the team that type of player. He was a staple at tackle for Western Michigan for the last three years, the last two of which on the left side. Okorafor is a big bodied tackle with NFL starter level traits. The 6-foot-6 and 320 pound immigrant from Botswana showed off improving skills each of the last three seasons.
Based on his size, you would think he’s a lumbering people pusher at the tackle spot. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Okorafor has excellent feet and the ability to run speed rushers up the arc and away from the quarterback. His hand usage is raw but will improve with NFL coaching. This guy has only been playing football for eight years, his best games are still in front of him. His long arms help him out in the run game when his initial strike lands.
Arizona could keep Humphries on the left side while playing Okorafor on the right side. He has the versatility to play both sides of the line. By 2019 he could take over on the left side and give the Cardinals a tackle of the future to pair with their first round pick, Jackson.