New mock draft simulation has Cardinals trading up for Kyle Pitts

A few days ago, NFL Network’s Peter Schrager had a mock draft that had the Arizona Cardinals trading up for Florida TE Kyle Pitts. Jess Root outlined the potential cost of this move, and he and Seth Cox talked about it on the podcast.

But what if this actually occurred on draft day? What would their draft haul overall potentially look like?

Today, using PFF’s mock draft simulator, we find out.

Trade: Cardinals move to No. 7 from No. 16

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Pitts falls to Detroit, who has T.J. Hockenson already, and is rebuilding. Arizona offers their 2021 1st round (pick 16), and a 2022 first-round pick. The Lions send back a 2022 third.

Round 1, Pick 7: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona then of course selects Pitts, the ultimate weapon in this draft according to many. He fills their long need at tight end, along with providing receiving help to Kyler Murray.

Second-round trade

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

In the second round Cleveland, Tampa Bay, and the Giants want to trade up, perhaps targeting North Dakota State tackle Dillon Radunz. In this simulation, we accepted Cleveland's offer of 49 for picks 59, 89 and 169.

Round 2 (No. 59 overall): Jabril Cox, LB, LSU

Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The highest remaining player on the board is Elijah Molden, but he would be the same player as Budda Baker it would seem, so Arizona picks Cox. Cox would give the Cardinals a very flexible linebacking corp when it comes to coverage, as he played a similar role in the LSU defense to what Isaiah Simmons did for Clemson.

Round 3 (No. 89 overall): Thomas Graham, CB, Oregon

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals finally address their need at cornerback. Graham has a lot of experience for the Ducks, so likely could be ready to be part of the rotation. Kelvin Joseph was still on the board, but his off-field issues give Arizona pause.

Round 5 (No. 160 overall): Stone Forsythe, OT, Florida

Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

It would be a surprise to see Forsythe last until the fifth round, but if this does happen, Arizona should pounce quickly. At 6-9, he's the perfect developmental tackle that the Cards love to take on Day 3.

Round 5 (No. 169 overall): Milton Williams, DT, Louisiana Tech

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Like with Forsythe, if Williams is available on Day 3, the Cardinals should be interested. Williams had a phenomenal pro day to back up some good numbers in 2020, though against lesser competition. He would have time to sit and learn from J.J. Watt.

Round 6 (No. 223 overall): Sadarius Hutcherson, G, South Carolina

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Hutcherson is a bit aggressive at times, but he's got some explosive qualities that Sean Kugler would love, and would give them a guard to potentially develop in a quality backup or starter. Getting him in Round 6 would seem to be yet another steal.

Round 7 (No. 243 overall): Javian Hawkins, RB, Louisville

Hawkins usually goes on Day 3 in most mocks but is available here. He has met with the Cardinals and seems to share some traits that Chase Edmonds has.

Round 7 (No. 247 overall): William Bradley-King, EDGE, Baylor

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals director of player personnel mentioned a deep edge class on a recent podcast, and they take advantage of that here. Bradley-King has the traits to be a decent, rotational 3-4 OLB in Vance Joseph's scheme. Listen to the latest from Cards Wire's Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify. Latest show:

Previous shows:

and

1

1