2012 NFL Mock Draft Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have really been coming on strong in the second half of the season winning five of their last six games, but this is not a team that is devoid of needs. I really liked what the Cardinals did in their last draft as they stuck to the big board and got a lot of value in every round. The question for the Cardinals is whether or not they have a franchise quarterback as Kolb hasn’t been great this year. Right now the Cardinals are picking 13th. They have no second round pick because of the Kevin Kolb trade.  I’ll be using our own big board to create value for the selections in the first four or five rounds (our big board is at 130 right now).

Players  though have decided to return to school are not included in this mock, even though they are still on our big board (Jarvis Jones is one for example).

The scouting reports all can be found by clicking on the names, but all of our scouting reports (over a 150) are on our scouting report page

1st round: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama Crimson Tide

The Cardinals drafted Patrick Peterson last year, but imagine if they could pair him with Dre Kirkpatrick. That would instantly give the Cardinals the best combination of young cornerbacks in the entire league. I think that they Cardinals really need an offensive tackle and a outside rushing linebacker more than they need a cornerback, but the value will not be here in this draft if the Cardinals win any more games. Jonathan Martin would be ideal and maybe Riley Reiff if he’s available, but if not than the Cardinals should grab the very high upside Dre Kirkpatrick.

3rd Round: Oday Aboushi, T, Virginia

Aboushi is areally nice tackle prospect who has the ability to develop into a left tackle in the N.F.L, which makes him worth it in the third round. He might actually have to fall a little bit in order to get him at this point, but if he does fall the Cardinals should look to add him into the fold. The Cardinals have been playing a lot better and have run the ball really well in many games this season, but they still need to upgrade the LT position. With Aboushi the emergence of Chris “Beanie” Wells and the return of talented Ryan Williams the Cardinals could have one of the leagues best running games next season.

4th Round: Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

Criner’s value is all over the place because of the rumor or idea that he might not be able to handle the rigors of the N.F.L. He also has questions about his straight line speed, but he has the ability to develop into an excellent number two complement receiver to Larry Fitzgerald. Criner is a big bodied wide receivers who can make plays in traffic.

5th Round: Frank Alexander, OLB, Oklahoma

In our scouting report for Alexander Reggie has his value much higher than I have his value. I think Alexander is a limited athlete who is a bit of a tweener. Alexander is a productive pass rusher though and the Cardinals should take a chance on him here. He’s productive because he has a good motor and is savvy. He could definitely be a rotational pass rusher next year and possibly develop into a starter in time.

6th Round: Johnny Adams, CB, Michigan State

Right now the Cardinals have four cornerbacks listed on their depth chart. They need two add at least one more cornerbacks and perhaps two. Adams could go a round or two higher than this, but some cornerback will fall into this range and the Cardinals should pounce on him.

7th Round: Antoine McClain, G, Clemson

I think the Cardinals could even more use than two picks on the offensive line if the value is available.