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ESPN NFL Draft talking heads Mel Kiper and Todd McShay released another mock draft on Tuesday -- their version 5.0.
For the Arizona Cardinals, the projections stay rather consistent for Kiper, while for McShay it changes.
This time around, McShay has the Cardinals going with Alabama inside linebacker C.J. Mosley.
For starters, Mosley is a great value at this point in the first round, but he also would add depth at the linebacker spot. Karlos Dansby departed in free agency, and his presumed replacement, Kevin Minter, played just one snap as a rookie last season. Also, Daryl Washington is facing a possible league punishment for an off-the-field incident. Durability is a question mark with Mosley, but he is a relentless playmaker.
Here is how McShay's mocks have gone since the first one this year -- note that not a single player shows up twice.
1.0: OT Morgan Moses
2.0: OT Cyrus Kouandjio
3.0: CB Darqueze Dennard
4.0: S Calvin Pryor
5.0: ILB C.J. Mosley
As for Mel Kiper, he has been consistent. As it was for his last mock, he has the Cards selecting Fresno State QB Derek Carr.
It's fair to say I've come around a little slower on Carr. In fact, just a week ago I spent more time going through his tape with Jon Gruden down in Tampa and saw some more positives than I had previously. While I still think this is a bit rich, it's not a bad speculative bet for a team that can make one here, given the makeup of the roster. The Cardinals have some needs, but not massive ones, and last year's first-rounder, Jonathan Cooper, will return from injury in 2014. There isn't a good No. 2 behind Carson Palmer, who will turn 35 during the 2014 season. It at least adds up.
To review, here are the picks Kiper has made for the Cards in his mocks this year.
1.0: QB Derek Carr
2.0: OT Cyrus Kouandjio
3.0: CB Darqueze Dennard
4.0: QB Derek Carr
5.0: QB Derek Carr
There is a case to be made for both players. While the Cardinals have two starting inside linebackers, if you believe in taking the best player on your board and Mosley is there, you do it and work out the details later. You find a place for a talented player.
If Carr is the guy, you go get him. You can't afford to let your guy go, even if he is going to sit out and watch the first season in the pros.
In case you were wondering, in both Kiper's and McShay's mock, the very next player off the board is Ryan Shazier.
What do you think of either of these picks?
