NFL Mock Draft 9.0: Quarterbacks push defensive prospects down board

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs walks in to the locker room prior to the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs walks in to the locker room prior to the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
16 of 33
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 01: Georgia offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 01: Georgia offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Isaiah Wynn. 15. player. 32. . Offensive Lineman. Georgia

The Cardinals brought in an entirely new group of quarterbacks this offseason. Of the four quarterbacks currently on the team’s roster, none have been with the Cardinals for more than a month. That is utterly insane, but they did add some experience to their team.

Sam Bradford was brought in to be the team’s starting quarterback. When healthy, Bradford is one of the most accurate passers in the game and he can function as an above average quarterback. However, Bradford has had a lot of trouble staying healthy during his NFL career and last year, Bradford missed 14 games with a phantom knee injury. After a prolific Week 1 performance, he just came down with a knee injury out of nowhere and only played one game after that.

Because of how fragile Bradford is, he has only played a full season twice in his NFL career, the Cardinals need to invest in protection for him. They cannot afford to put him behind a makeshift offensive line. And at this juncture, there are two quality offensive linemen on the board, but Isaiah Wynn would be my preferred fit for the Cardinals.

Live Feed

BREAKING: Lamar Jackson and Ravens have a deal in place
BREAKING: Lamar Jackson and Ravens have a deal in place /

With the First Pick

  • Most first-round picks by a college in one NFL Draft? Stripe Hype
  • 3 big questions for Cleveland Browns as they approach Draft Day Dawg Pound Daily
  • Latest mock draft has Seahawks finessing for two massive prospects FanSided
  • 49ers 2023 NFL Draft tracker: Pick-by-pick news and analysis Niner Noise
  • Packers could be about to make a massive mistake in first round of draft Lombardi Ave
  • Wynn had a terrific collegiate career at Georgia where he served as the left tackle for the Bulldogs. Despite being a bit undersized at 6-foot-2, 302 pounds, he has superb technique and functional play strength that could allow him to stay outside despite his lack of length. At the very least, he could be a borderline elite guard or center, so his versatility is unmatched.

    With the Cardinals, Wynn could be given a chance to win one of the starting tackle spots away from the underwhelming duo of D.J. Humphries and Andre Smith. If he can man one of those spots, the Cardinals would immediately upgrade the exterior protection for Bradford. And if Wynn doesn’t perform well at tackle in the preseason, he could take over at left guard for Mike Iupati and form a really solid guard tandem with Justin Pugh.

    Wynn’s versatility makes him the pick over Mike McGlinchey here. Either way, the Cardinals should target an offensive lineman here, and two of the best players are at that position. Bradford would be eternally grateful to acquire some help in the form of a top tackle.