NFL Draft 2019: Arizona Cardinals 7-round mock

Round 6 – Pick 176

Ben Powers, G, Oklahoma

It has been said multiple times but this draft is about helping Rosen and Johnson to give this Cardinals offense life. The team already took a starting caliber right tackle in Jawaan Taylor. In Round 6 they are able to grab a guard who could be a plug-and-play type of player for this team. Losing Mike Iupati in free agency leaves a void in the middle. Unfortunately the team has little in terms of depth. Oklahoma’s Ben Powers could fill Iupati’s role and aid in Rosen’s development by keeping him upright. Powers was a strong player in Oklahoma’s offense with his ability to play up-tempo and keep his Heisman quarterback clean. In this deep interior offensive line class, players will fall through the cracks. Luckily for Arizona that was the case and they get a player who would help them out in the second to last round.

Round 6 – Pick 208

Anthony Nelson, DL, Iowa

Whenever there are mock drafts, it is easy to fall into the trap of plugging a player into a spot based solely on position. I’ve tried to avoid that and instead think of schemes for these prospects. An example of that would be Iowa’s Anthony Nelson for Arizona. Nelson is not the athletic and twitchy type of pass rusher that thrives in the NFL. Instead he is a technician who uses excellent hands, and power to get the edge and get to the quarterback. In the NFL his best role is likely as a situational rusher who might be able to bump inside on occasions given his 270-plus frame. Nelson, if he is able to add some weight, may even be able to play the role Joseph used Derek Wolfe in Denver. Wolfe is 10 pounds heavier but Nelson could be the “light” version of that. He is a safe pick who has upside in this multiple scheme.

Round 7 – Pick 217

Blace Brown, CB, Troy

The way this mock draft fell left Arizona without a corner on the board that makes sense. Arizona should be eager to fill the role opposite Patrick Peterson, as it has been a sieve for some time. That can leave another option of taking flyers on late round guys who have good traits. A player that matches that description is Troy’s Blace Brown. A Shrine Game participant, Brown was a productive player during his play at Troy and continued against bigger-school competition in Florida. His 12 career interceptions place him second among active players. Brown is a long corner at 6-feet and likely will be a mid-round pick but happened to fall to Arizona in this early mock draft.

Round 7 – Pick 250

Davante Davis, CB, Texas

Another swing for the fences, albeit a bit harder than the previous pick. While Texas’ Davante Davis may not be an all out home run type swing, the risks are there. Davis is a long corner who is not afraid to mix it up in the run game. Where he struggles is in his mirror and match ability. He is not an elite athlete and could get beat when asked to change direction repeatedly. However his motor and play style should keep him on an NFL roster should he be asked to play special teams. Davis is the type of prospect who could rise given his length and a possible strong combine performance.