2021 NFL Draft: Arizona Cardinals 7-Round Mock Draft

Arizona Cardinals 2021 mock draft: Round 5

The Arizona Cardinals managed to replace franchise legend Larry Fitzgerald while he was still in uniform with the fleecing of the Houston Texans for De’Andre Hopkins, meaning they can dedicate their more prominent draft capital to more imminent team needs. Behind Hopkins though, there is a noticeable lack of imposing talent which can threaten a secondary any given Sunday.

Jaelon Darden may be one of the few day three 2021 NFL Draft prospects who can add a dynamic offensive element from day one. A five-foot-nine firecracker for the North Texas Mean Green football team, Darden is expected to run in the 4.4’s and have some of the quickest 3-cone and 20-yard shuttle times among prospects.

These measurables combined with instinctive route-running to find voids in zone coverage makes him a prime day three selection for a high-octane offense.

Round 7

Already weakened on the interior of their defense, the Arizona Cardinals will now be losing defensive tackles Corey Peters and Domata Peko to free agency, leaving a glaring need for a powerful presence in the run-defense. Needing an interior stalwart, the Arizona Cardinals need to find value with their final selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Enter BYU nose tackle Khyiris Tonga, a well-built 320-pounder who has been the center of his unit’s efforts against the run. With sudden quickness for a player his size, Tonga is capable of shooting gaps and collecting the ballcarrier before the line of scrimmage on any given snap with his active hands used to shed blockers.

Tonga is also a patient defender, waiting for the back to make their move before collecting them for little to no gain at the point of contact.