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ESPN NFL draft analyst Todd McShay is blowing up the Internet right now with his latest mock draft. It is the second version of his projections for this year's NFL Draft. While here at this fine site, we care more about what the Arizona Cardinals do with the 24th pick, McShay sees Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota falling a bit, landing with Todd Bowles and the New Yorks Jets with the sixth pick overall.
But what about the Cardinals?
McShay has them going with an inside linebacker, something that has become a bit of a trend in mock drafts.They are the first to take an inside linebacker. They don't take Mississippi State's Benardrick McKinney. Instead, they go with Miami's Denzel Perryman.
This might be a little early to take an inside linebacker in some people's minds, but there aren't many better football players than Perryman left on the board, and the Cardinals are likely to address the position early. Perryman has strong recognition skills, he's stout and savvy at the point of attack and he hits like a truck. A lot of other evaluators like Mississippi State's Benardrick McKinney more because of his freakish size-speed combo, but I'll take the better football player in Perryman. Other positions Arizona could look to address this offseason: pass-rusher, D-line, QB depth and RB depth.
Not everyone likes Perryman, though.
The more you watch Perryman the attractiveness of his athleticism is diminished by the frustration created by his mistakes.
— Cian Fahey (@Cianaf) February 5, 2015
Who are other possibilities who come off the board later in the first round?
Running back Melvin Gordon is a name that will get some buzz at running back. He goes to the Cowboys at No. 27. Would he be a fit with the Cardinals and their woeful running game?
What about La'el Collins, who looked great in the Senior Bowl? He comes off the board for McShay at 28. He could be moved inside at right guard and he could be an option to kick out again to right tackle should the team want to move on from Bobby Massie after the season.
Carl Davis goes at No. 32. he could be a guy to replace Dan Williams.
Who would you go with at No. 24?