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The Arizona Cardinals still need to add cornerback talent to their roster, the question is will it be through the draft early or late?
Mel Kiper Jr released his newest 2022 NFL Mock Draft today and gave the Cardinals his highest rated cornerback in the draft, but one with a big question mark.
From E$PN:
16. Arizona Cardinals
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Farley is my top-ranked corner, but he could be the third off the board depending on his medical checks. He had back surgery last month — a microdiscectomy — and wasn’t able to work out at his pro day, which means teams weren’t able to see him up close after he opted out of the 2020 season. At his best, though, Farley has the highest ceiling of all the defensive backs in this class. Arizona let Patrick Peterson walk in free agency and signed Malcolm Butler on a short-term deal, but it could still address the position here.
49. Arizona Cardinals
Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville
Christian Kirk has shown promise, but the 2018 second-round pick has been inconsistent and is in his contract year. Taking Atwell here would both push Kirk into a make-or-break season and also add some help in the slot for Kyler Murray. Atwell is lightning fast, and he reminds me of former Sooner Marquise Brown, who used to catch passes from Murray. He’s explosive after the catch.
Farley is an uber-talented player who likely would have been the first cornerback off the board if healthy.
That last part is big, if healthy.
While the prognosis for his current back ailment is good, no one used to have a bad back.
Which begs the question how long can you keep him healthy and on the field.
If the Cardinals feel satisfied with the answer, then Farley is a slam dunk here.
The Atwell pick I have no interest in. He’s talented and fast, but he weighed 155 lbs and that makes him a massive risk.
Want to take one of the two? Sure.
However, can Steve Keim and Kliff Kingsbury afford to take these risks with both picks?
What do you think?