Two major trades have shaken up the order of the draft, and the 49ers' move up to No. 3 means a rookie quarterback should soon be added to the division. The Cardinals sit at No. 16 overall and continue to have several different prospects linked to them in the first round.
Here is a look at the latest mock draft projections from a variety of NFL analysts.
CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech (chosen by Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated; Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports; Todd McShay, ESPN): Many analysts believe Farley is the most talented cornerback in the draft, but a recent back procedure means he will likely be chosen behind Patrick Surtain II and Jaycee Horn. The Cardinals still need long-term cornerbacks with Malcolm Butler and Robert Alford both on one-year deals, and Farley could be a high-ceiling choice, but would be a risk due to the injury.
WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama (chosen by Danny Kelly, The Ringer): The Cardinals have a starting wide receiver trio of DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green and Christian Kirk, but Green and Kirk are both in the final years of their contracts. Waddle is an electric yards-after-catch threat that could give the team big-play potential as a rookie and then grow into a bigger role. He had 28 catches for 598 yards and four touchdowns in only six games last season before injuring his ankle.
CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina (chosen by ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr.; Bucky Brooks, NFL.com; Luke Easterling, USA Today; Lance Zierlein, NFL.com; Pete Prisco, CBS Sports): Horn continues to be the most-mocked player to the Cardinals. He performed well at Pro Day, and seems likely to be chosen in the Cardinals' range. There are plenty of reasons why this choice would make sense, although it ultimately would come down to the team's evaluation of Horn, provided he is available. Horn likes the idea of continuing the legacy of a strong Cardinals secondary.
CB Greg Newsome II, Northwestern (chosen by Nate Davis, USA Today): There is a possibility both Surtain and Horn are off the board at No. 16, while Farley's injury could push him down the cornerback prospect rankings. If that is the case, Newsome may find himself in play in the middle of the first round. While the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder isn't generally projected this high, he plays a premium position and is comfortable playing man-to-man coverage, which could boost his stock.
WR Kadarius Toney, Florida (chosen by Rob Rang, FOX Sports): Toney has not been a common projection in the middle of the first round, but he had a breakout senior season and would love to go at No. 16. Toney is 6-feet and 194 pounds but is still known for his shiftiness. He had 70 catches for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns last season for the Gators while adding 8.5 yards per carry on 19 attempts. He plays similarly to Waddle and could be a unique chess piece for coach Kliff Kingsbury.
