Arizona Cardinals 2018 full mock draft

Round 4 – Pick 134

Christopher Herndon, TE, Miami

One of the worst positions in this draft is the tight end spot. After seeing three players go in the first round a year ago, there is a chance zero hear their names in the first 32 picks. Arizona needs to dip into that class at some point. Ricky Seals-Jones was highly productive in a limited role. Jermaine Gresham, the team’s other tight end, is not a starter at this point in his career. Christopher Herndon has the traits to turn into a starter at the next level.

At Miami, he showed the ability to line up all over the field. He was actually the starter over last year’s first round pick David Njoku when the two were on the same team. Herndon is a willing blocker, especially on the outside. He has also shown some excellent ability after the catch with the ball in his hands. This would be a pick setting up for 2019 more than 2018. Herndon and Seals-Jones could give Arizona a pair of extremely athletic move tight ends who can do damage all over the field.

Round 5 – Pick 152

Skyler Phillips, G, Idaho State

Arizona addressed a big need by signing former NEw York Giants guard Justin Pugh. He joins former free agent signing Mike Iupati as a strength up the middle of a weak offensive line. Iupati is getting up there in age and could be a cap casualty soon. Grabbing a replacement player to develop would address a need before it became glaring. Skyler Phillips is a guard prospect worth the investment.

On tape, Phillips shows that he is a mauler with excellent strength. There are injury concerns with some missed games but not enough to drop him terribly far. Phillips also brings the added benefit of being versatile and possibly playing center. He is a smart and strong football player, those guys will always be useful on the offensive line. While not being a day one starter, there is a chance that he can develop into one in the future.

Round 6 – Pick 182

Foley Fatukasi, DT, UConn

The reasons the Cardinals have that extra third round pick is because they lost defensive lineman Calais Campbell in free agency. He turned into a defensive player of the year candidate in Jacksonville and left a hole on the Cardinals defense. Former second round pick Robert Nkemdiche is slotted to pick up the slack but has been underwhelming so far in his career. The rest of the defensive front is up and down at best. Foley Fatukasi could come in and contribute for this team right away.

At UConn, Fatukasi showed excellent ability to penetrate and disrupt the backfield. In an odd or even front, depending on what the Cardinals will be moving to going forward, Fatukasi would work. A versatile and talented defensive lineman can help push this defense to another level. He is raw but can make some plays on a limited basis while he grows into a better player with time.

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Round 7 – Pick 254

Robert Foster, WR, Alabama

When the last round of the draft roles around there is two strategies. One is to op for depth pieces who can contribute on special teams and backup roles. The other is to grab players with big potential that may carry some risk. For Arizona, the latter would apply with this pick. Robert Foster showed up to Alabama as a five star recruit at the receiver position. Unfortunately injuries cut two of his seasons short. He was also overshadowed by future first round draft pick Calvin Ridley.

However, there is talent within Foster. His 4.41 40-yard dash at the combine shows that he has the deep speed that he entered Tuscaloosa with. Foster has ideal size and speed, but he will need work on his route running and technique. Learning with Larry Fitzgerald and complimenting Daesean Hamilton would make his transition to the NFL a bit easier. With refinement as a receiver, Foster could be the steal of the draft.