The Arizona Cardinals are a team in transition. Kliff Kingsbury is out and new head coach Jonathan Gannon is in. The former Eagles defensive coordinator heads up a roster that is lacking stars. QB Kyler Murray is coming off a major injury and WR Deandre Hopkins is on the way out. New GM Monti Ossenfort will look to stock up on draft assets as they try to rebuild a winner in the desert.
Unique to other team mock drafts at Draft Countdown (LINKS BELOW), I included a trade in this one.
Arizona Cardinals Mock Draft (2023)
I used the mock draft simulator over at NFL Mock Draft Database to simulate the results with me only picking for the Colts.
1-3: Cardinals Trade with the Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans see an opportunity to move up to pick three and make it 3 QBs in a row at the top of the draft. With CJ Stroud going to Carolina and Bryce Young heading to the Texans, Tennessee moves up to get the high upside in Anthony Richardson.
Trade details: Titans receive pick 3, Cardinals receive pick 11, pick 41 (2nd round), and a 2024 2nd round pick.
The Cardinals add two premium picks in the 2023 draft and add another piece for next year. This isn’t going to be a one-year fix.
1-11: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
Van Ness never started a game at Iowa. This is because of the old-school mentality of HC Kirk Ferentz. LVN is an athletic freak and has recorded 13 sacks as a reserve in the last two seasons. He is a high-upside player who can grow with the new-look Cardinals.
2-34: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Forbes is a tremendous man cover corner. He plays physical football and tackles well despite being 166 pounds. Forbes has 14 career interceptions, including six this past season. It would be nice if he could add 15 pounds or so, but his ability on the field is not influenced by it.
2-41: Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
I expect the Cardinals to move on from Nuk Hopkins at some point. Maybe even before (or during the Draft). Arizona will need to add a top-notch replacement. I think Cedric Tillman is a better prospect than his more hyped teammate, Jalin Hyatt. Tillman gives me Tee Higgins vibes when I watch his tape.
3-66: Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida
Dexter is another high upside defender that can generate an interior pass rush. he tested great at the Combine and the Cards need to replace both J.J. Watt and Zach Allen from last year’s squad.
3-96: Luke Wypler, IOL, Ohio State
The Cardinals could stand to add a new center and Wypler would be a nice upgrade to the pivot position.
4-105: Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
How much more can Arizona get out of James Conner? Kendre Miller did not record any testing data at the Combine or on his Pro Day. However, his success on the field can’t be denied. Miller rushed for 1399 yards before getting injured against Michigan in the playoffs.
5-168: D.J. Johnson, EDGE, Oregon
Arizona needs to add multiple pass rushers in this class. Johnson notched 6 sacks in 2022 and then followed up with a good week at the Senior Bowl.
6-180: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA
With Murray’s playing style and injury history, Arizona may look for another QB. Colt McCoy sank the offense when he came in for Murray a year ago. Maybe a better athlete and a much cheaper backup are needed.
6-213: Warren McClendon, OT, Georgia
McClendon is a depth pick with upside.
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