Arizona Cardinals: First round 2021 NFL Draft targets

Although the Arizona Cardinals signed James Conner recently to a one-year deal, they need to add depth for the future behind Conner and Chase Edmonds and they could start as early as day one of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Najee Harris

Harris is a strong downhill runner who has continued to progress as a pass-catcher. He is a spectacular runner inside the red zone, a place the Cardinals have struggled in the past. Harris is someone who can run both between the tackles and around the perimeter. He made it a trend to break tackles, hurdle, and bully opponents.

He is a high character player that will make teams fall in love with him both on and off the field. His only con seems to be his top-end speed, he is not a home run hitter by any means but will be extremely consistent at the next level.

Javonte Williams

Williams is an old-school wrecking ball-style runningback that invites contact on every play. He is a tackle-breaking machine with .48 broken tackles per attempt per pff (75 total). After adding weight the past two offseasons Williams has added a new burst and power to his game. He is good in pass protection and would give Murray and the Cardinals a three-down back with the ability to rush, pass block and receive out of the backfield. He would be a tremendous compliment to Chase Edmonds.

Travis Etienne

Etienne is a home run threat every time he touches the ball. He is elusive as a pass-catcher out of the backfield and has potentially the best burst in the class. That being said he also tries to make too much out of some plays instead of taking what is available which can cause too many negative plays.

He has also shown weaknesses in pass-blocking which is a major red flag for Cardinals fans and staff entering the draft as keeping Kyler upright is of utmost importance.