The NFL draft is finally here. The Cardinals hold the No. 8 pick in the first round, and analysts from across the country have filed their final mock drafts. Here are the last prognostications heading into Thursday evening's first round:
Jedrick Wills, Alabama offensive tackle
Chosen by: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com; Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN; Pete Prisco, CBS; Danny Kelly, The Ringer; Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk; Matt Harmon, Yahoo! Sports; Domonique Foxworth, The Undefeated; Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News; Cris Collinsworth, Pro Football Focus.
AZCardinals.com analysis: If the Cardinals take an offensive tackle at No. 8, this is a logical one. Wills is one of the most naturally talented players in the class and would fill a longterm need on offense. There are some concerns leaguewide about his ability to transition from right to left tackle, but that wouldn't be an issue in Arizona, as the Cardinals already have D.J. Humphries on Kyler Murray's blindside.
Isaiah Simmons, Clemson inside linebacker
Chosen by: Peter King, NBCSports.com; Peter Schrager, NFL.com; Charley Casserly, NFL.com; Liz Loza, Yahoo! Sports; Charles Davis, NFL.com; Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated; Lance Zierlein, NFL.com.
AZCardinals.com analysis: The most common defensive player being linked to the Cardinals is Simmons, the versatile star out of Clemson. In a 3-4 defense, inside linebacker or safety would be his main position, but he could move around often. Simmons regularly guarded slot receivers in college, and if he can do that effectively at the pro level, he will be one of the most unique defensive pieces in the NFL.
Tristan Wirfs, Iowa offensive tackle
Chosen by: Mike Freeman, Bleacher Report; Mike Tanier, Bleacher Report; Nate Davis, USA Today; Austin Gayle, Pro Football Focus.
AZCardinals.com analysis: A bevy of offensive tackles have been connected to the Cardinals in the lead-up to the draft, and Wirfs has been a common one. He had a great showing at the combine, and while not as polished as some of the other top options, has tremendous upside. Wirfs also has positional versatility, which Keim covets.
Derrick Brown, Auburn defensive tackle
Chosen by: Will Brinson, CBSSports.com; Dane Brugler, The Athletic.
AZCardinals.com analysis: The Cardinals signed Jordan Phillips in free agency, and the drafting of Brown would give the defensive line an impressive new look. He is big-time run-stuffer, and if the pass-rush skills Brown showed in college translate to the NFL, he would be a key piece for years to come. Brown's athletic testing numbers at the combine weren't great, but the tape is impressive.
CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma wide receiver
Chosen by: Eric Edholm, Yahoo! Sports.
AZCardinals.com analysis: Now that DeAndre Hopkins is atop the depth chart, there is less traction connecting an elite wide receiver to the Cardinals. However, given coach Kliff Kingsbury's penchant for using four wide receivers in college, it can't be ruled out. Lamb seems to make the most sense among the top options, as he can play on the outside and was a teammate of Kyler Murray's at Oklahoma.
