CBS Sports’ 7 Round Mock for Cardinals

CBS Sports came out today with a new 7 Round mock. Here is the link:

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/seven-round-2020-nfl-mock-draft-chargers-pass-on-quarterback-patriots-grab-jordan-love/

Here are the picks they made for the Cardinals:

8. Tristan Wirfs, T, 6-5, 320, Iowa

72. Davon Hamilton, DT, 6-4, 320, Ohio St.

114. Kenny Willekes, Edge, 6-4, 264, Michigan St.

131. Thaddeus Moss, TE, 6-2, 250, LSU

202. Jared Mayden, S/CB, 6-0, 205, Alabama

222. Jacob Phillips, ILB, 6-3, 229, LSU

NFL.com Grading Scale:

8.0—-The perfect prospect

7.3-7.5—-Perennial All-Pro

7.0-7.1—-Pro Bowl talent

6.7-6.8—-Year 1 quality starter

6.5—-Boom or bust prospect

6.3-6.4—-Will be starter within first two seasons

6.1-6.2—-Good backup who could become starter

6.0—-Developmental traits-based prospect

5.8-5.9—-Backup/special-teamer

5.5-5.6—-Chance to make end of roster or practice squad

5.4—-Priority free agent

Lance Zierlein’s Post-Combine Draft Grades (NFL.com):

6.28—-Wirfs

5.98—-Hamilton

5.50—-Willekes

5.98—-Moss

N/A—-Mayden

5.90—-Phillips

Zierlein’s Assessments:

T Tristan Wirfs, Iowa:

Right tackle with elite body type and freaky testing potential who might fall victim to elevated expectations based upon traits and Iowa pedigree. He has tremendous core strength and moves smoothly, over-sets and isn’t the explosive drive-blocker former Iowa star tackle Brandon Scherff was. Wirfs has tools to handle gap-blocking duties while thriving in outside zone. If Wirfs can learn to play inside out and add a more effective jump-set into his repertoire, he could take a big step forward. Consistency of play could take some time, but he has the ability to become a good starter at either right tackle or guard.

DT Davon Hamilton, Ohio St.:

Athletic 4-3 tackle who stacked good tape in back-to-back seasons and should garner consideration as a rotational interior lineman with eventual starter potential. He does a nice job of creating leverage with his initial strike and has the athleticism and closing burst to hound running backs with an extended pursuit radius. He flashes needed traits as both a one- and two-gapper, but better skill with his hand-fighting could help unlock quicker wins and clearer paths to the quarterback. His draft stock could be tied to how teams view his upside as a pass rusher.

Edge Kenny Willekes, Michigan St.:

Willekes has packed on the pounds and the production since arriving at Michigan State as a walk-on. He’s a high effort worker-bee with a relentless nose for the football. His refusal to give in until the whistle is more responsible for his success than his size or athletic traits. He’s neither quick nor explosive, but he’s very instinctive and has an above-average understanding of blocking scheme and play development. He’s become a very impactful college player against all odds, but lacks the athletic profile to stick around long-term as a pro.

TE Thaddeus Moss, LSU:

Family lineage and brand awareness playing with Joe Burrow and LSU make it easy to overshoot expectations for Moss as a dynamic pass-catcher, but tape study shows he’s actually more skilled as a run blocker. He has great hands and good body control, but he’s an average athlete who benefited from rub routes and off coverage to find plenty of open-window catches. He will get after it as a run blocker, using above-average technique and an impressive ability to strain and sustain against bigger opponents. He could struggle to uncover against tight man, but his hybrid TE/H-back versatility and run-blocking prowess could lock him into a TE3 role.

S/CB Jared Mayden, Alabama: (from The Draft Network—-Sikkema)

PROS: Very experienced defensive back who has a background at nearly every position on the back end. Started his career as an outside cornerback, including throughout his recruiting process. Was moved to safety during the early years at Alabama, and has been a spot rotational and reserve player until this season. In 2019 Mayden has been a consistent starter for the Crimson Tide.

Anticipation and recognition are good. He positions himself well in zone coverage. Is a good communicator and a player who plays with sound technique on the back end.

CONS: Lack of explosiveness limits the impact he can have (doesn’t have many takeaways in his career). Though he did come from a cornerback background, his move to safety was likely due to the fact that anticipation is a stronger trait for him than athleticism. Good 2-high player, but not a guy you want playing single-high by himself too often. Has recognition, but not range.

LB Jacob Phillips, LSU:

Phillips is a reliable option but lacks the alpha field demeanor and explosive athleticism teams look for. He has backup talent and should step into a special teams role quickly. Early tape was better than later tape as the competition level increased. He does an adequate job of handling his assignments but won’t make that many plays outside of the scheme.

Comparing the CBS Mock to my final mock:

As it turns out, here are the players who were available at their spots in the CBS Sports mock:

8. Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama

72. Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne

114. James Lynch, DT, Baylor

131. Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian St.

202. Derrek Tuszka, Edge, North Dakota St.

222. Tyler Huntley, QB, Utah

Questions:

1—-If you had to choose one, which draft for the Cardinals would you prefer, CBS’ or mine?

2—-If you refer to the CBS 7 Round Mock to create your own draft for the Cardinals (of players available at each of the Cardinals’ spots), what would it be?

I will offer my feedback on both questions once there are an ample number of your responses. I am looking forward to reading your thoughts.