PFF is putting together team-specific draft boards for all 32 franchises using our draft rankings and evaluation of how each player fits in specific schemes.
Included are three ideal targets for each team with their first-, second-, and third-round picks, along with a team-specific draft board (at the bottom of this article) that includes every player in PFF’s draft rankings.
Here is the entry for the Arizona Cardinals:
Round 1 (29th overall)
The Cardinals' defense relies heavily on man-coverage, and that is what Apple does best. While the former Buckeye does have the size and speed to be a starting NFL cornerback, Patrick Peterson will often follow the opposition’s best receiver, leaving Apple with easier weekly match-ups as he learns to play the position in the pros.
General Manager Steve Keim has upgraded the Cardinals’ offensive line significantly during his tenure, but he’s done so mostly with free agents. The Cardinals need to get younger up front; Kelly didn’t allow a sack all season and can be their Week 1 starter at center.
When Deone Bucannon was originally drafted, it was to play safety and not inside linebacker; with that position-switch now permanent, the Cardinals could go back to the draft to get their playmaking safety. Joseph’s physicality and versatility would be a good fit in Arizona's creative defense.
Round 2 (63rd overall)
Traded to the New England Patriots.
Round 3 (92nd overall)
Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Cook led the draft class in deep passing accuracy (59.4 percent), so he fits what Bruce Arians wants to do on offense. The former Spartan can sit and watch Carson Palmer prepare and execute gameplans for three years and then step in as the starter.
PFF has historically been very high on Evan Mathis, but this could very well be his last year in the league. Spencer Drango can provide the Cardinals with instant depth, but he would most likely be “redshirted” a year—much like last year’s first-round selection D.J. Humphries—and step in to Evan Mathis’ spot in 2017.
This draft class is deep at center, so if the Cardinals can’t land one earlier in the draft, they could add one here in Matt Skura. While not as polished as Alabama’s Ryan Kelly, Skura also didn’t yield a sack in 2015, and could become the Cardinals' starter in a year or two.
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