FOX Sports NFL draft: Cardinals draft needs and mock draft
The Cardinals have six selections in the top 100 picks of the NFL draft, which begins on April 27, including the fourth and 27th picks in the first round.
Here is a mock draft prediction for each of those picks, as well as the selections the Cardinals may make in the other five rounds should they stay put at each draft slot.
Round 1, Pick 4: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
The Cardinals can take another step toward bolstering their offense with a generational talent at receiver in Harrison, much like the team did two decades ago in taking Larry Fitzgerald Jr. at No. 3 in the 2004 draft.
The son of Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, the Ohio State product has everything you want in a big-time No. 1 receiver. He's 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds, runs smooth routes, has vice grips for hands, and can make things happen after the catch.
Harrison didn't miss a game for the Buckeyes and was highly productive, finishing with 155 catches for 2,613 receiving yards and 32 total touchdowns in his three seasons.
He also skipped testing at the combine and didn't work out at his pro day, but Harrison's situation is unique.
Like former Ohio State teammate C.J. Stroud said, "Don't be dumb."
Round 1, Pick 27: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
With the 27th pick, Arizona addresses its secondary by selecting McKinstry, a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide.
The 6-foot, 200-pounder would bring a workmanlike approach to the Cardinals' defense and would be a much-needed talent injection at cornerback.
McKinstry finished with 93 combined tackles, two interceptions, and 23 pass breakups during his career at Alabama.
He didn't run at the combine because of a foot injury but was timed in the 4.4s in the 40-yard dash at his pro day.
Round 2, Pick 35: DL Darius Robinson, Missouri
With the 35th pick in the second round, the Cardinals grab Robinson, who earned first-team All-SEC honors with career highs in tackles (43), tackles for loss (14) and sacks (8.5) in his final season at Missouri.
Robinson would provide versatility as a player who could rush from the interior and the perimeter, giving the Cardinals pass-rush help as well as run-stopping assistance.
Round 3, Pick 66: DE Bralen Trice, Washington
The Cardinals grab another pass-rusher in the third round with Trice, who was productive for the Huskies.
He finished with 16 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss in his final two seasons at Washington.
Trice reportedly had a pre-draft visit with the Cardinals.
Round 3, Pick 71: OL Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
The Cardinals use their third-round pick to address their offensive line with Beebe, who would bring versatility and depth up front.
The Wildcats offensive lineman made 35 starts in three seasons, making starts at left tackle, left guard, and right tackle.
He was voted a first-team Associated Press All-American and the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year his final season at Kansas State.
Round 3, Pick 90: RB Marshawn Lloyd, USC
The Cardinals select USC running back Marshawn Lloyd to add another powerful runner behind starter James Conner.
Lloyd averaged 7.1 yards per carry, totaling 820 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in one season for the Trojans after spending three years at South Carolina.
Round 4, Pick 104: WR Brenden Rice, USC
Playing with Caleb Williams for the Trojans, Jerry Rice's son Brenden showed a nose for the end zone, finishing his final season at USC with 45 receptions for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Rice could develop into a reliable possession receiver for Kyler Murray.
Round 5, Pick 138: LB Cedric Gray, North Carolina
Arizona bolsters its defense with a first-team All-ACC selection in Gray, who led the Tar Heels in tackles with 121 and also recorded two forced fumbles.
The 6-foot-2, 234-pound Gray ran a 4.64 40 at the combine. He projects as a run-and-chase, weakside linebacker at the next level.
Round 5, Pick 162: DT Khristian Boyd, Northern Iowa
Boyd, who wasn't invited to the combine, has NFL traits at 6-foot-2 and 320 pounds. He had 38 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks in his final season at Northern Iowa.
Round 6, Pick 186: S Sione Vaki, Utah
Vaki has a strong upper body (20 reps at 225 pounds). The Utah product finished with 51 combined tackles (eight tackles for loss) two sacks, and an interception in his final season for the Utes.
While his 4.62-second 40-yard time is not ideal, Vaki could still find his way onto an NFL roster as a core special teams player.
Round 7, Pick 226: CB Deantre Prince, Ole Miss
Prince ran a 4.38 40 at the combine and led all prospects in the 10-yard split at 1.47 seconds.
The Ole Miss product finished with six career interceptions and 21 pass breakups during his career for the Rebels.
This mock draft helps the Cardinals address their top needs while also adding several key contributors to surround franchise quarterback Kyler Murray.
It also doesn't preclude Arizona from making another move or two to acquire more picks or to draft a player at a premium position earlier than this scenario allows. MF