Packers 2016 Draft: Last minute NFL mock draft
By Kenn Korb
Pick #29 — Arizona Cardinals
Mackenzie Alexander
The Cardinals had a great season in 2015, all the way up until they crapped the bed against the Panthers.
When Carson Palmer wasn’t pulling a full Delhomme (i.e.: all of the turnovers) though, this team was legitimately worth thinking of as possibly the best in the league.
They really don’t have many weaknesses to worry about, so they could go in so many directions here.
A center would probably be their biggest need, but with Kelly gone they can wait to address that area. They could use a tackle after the departure of Bobbie Massie, but they did draft one last year who — if he puts in the effort — would be the clear option going forward there. A developmental quarterback would be a smart move too; he could sit behind Palmer for a few years and develop — or, if that playoff game was a precursor to a Matt Schaub-esque plummet, step in sooner. Another corner would be great too, with Tyrann Mathieu’s injury problems and nobody else above mediocrity past Patrick Peterson.
Barring the aforementioned Palmer falloff, this team is a bonafide contender, and should act as such. They have few holes, but the ones they have should be addressed with an eye to instant improvement and contributions provided by the guys they select.
Because of that, corner is the way to go here.
Of the guys left, Alexander looks a step above the rest.
He isn’t good at forcing turnovers (0 college INTS), but he is a brash competitor that plays bigger than his frame and can turn himself into an elite cover corner in time (the Desmond Trufant comparison is exciting).
Brash competitor is Bruce Arians’ modus operandi, so the fit appears to be here both personality-wise and in terms of play style.